Antinori Estates
Cuvée Royale Franciacorta
About this winery
The Antinori family has been in the wine business since Giovanni di Piero Antinori joined the Florentine Guild of Vintners in 1385 - more than 26 generations ago. Throughout the company's long history it has remained family owned and operated, and today it is directed by Marchese Piero Antinori. Though Antinori has played an important role in preserving Italy's enological traditions it is also one of Italy's most dynamic and visionary producers of fine wines, with estates concentrated in the...
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Product notes
The Montenisa estate is located in the heart of Franciacorta, situated around the hamlet of Calino. The history of the property, which belonged to the Maggi counts in the 20th century, is, inevitably, linked to the Mille Miglia race: Count Aymo Maggi, in fact, was one of the founders of this historic automobile competition. His wife, Countess Camilla Maggi, was also a popular personality in the Franciacorta area for her numerous works of social and charitable interest. The varieties traditionally most suitable for the production of Franciacorta sparkling wine are present at the estate: Chardonnay, with its typical fruity and floral notes; Pinot Noir, capable of conferring structure and personality; and Pinot Blanc, savory and mineral. The picking is done entirely by hand with a careful choice of the grape bunches. The harvest is carried out with small packing cases to avoid a skin breakage in the grapes, which could then cause the beginning of an undesired fermentation.
Production notes
The grapes, upon arrival in the cellars, were immediately given a soft pressing. The must obtained by this first pressing went directly into temperature controlled stainless steel fermentation tanks where the alcoholic fermentation took place. The wine then went through the process of second fermentation in bottle, refining in contact with its fine lees for a substantial period of time.
Tasting notes
The Marchese Antinori Cuvée Royal presents a light-yellow color along with a creamy foam and a fine and lengthy perlage. The nose is struck by the pleasurable notes of white peach, well balanced by sensations of bread crust and lees. The palate is harmonious and fully expresses the vivacity of a fine Brut.