It was 1961 when the first sparkling wine from Franciacorta was released, by Guido Berlucchi, and since then the estate has epitomised excellence in winemaking. This brut nature opens with green herbs and white peach on the nose, flinty and clean. Exceptional fruit concentration is refreshed by fine perlage and smoky acidity. The finish shows integrated developing tertiary notes, demonstrating complexity and promise for further ageing. (FM)

The 2016 Nature Franciacorta Berlucchi '61 seduces with an inviting bouquet of sweet melon, wildflowers and white smoke. It’s round and pliant, with a measured inner sweetness and crisp orchard fruits underscored by tactile mineral tones that emerge toward the close. Sour citrus combines with young mango as the 2016 finishes with medium-length and a green apple crunch. The '61 Nature blends 70% Chardonnay and 30% Pinot Noir. Disgorged: 2022. (EG)