LLS Portfolio Book 2015

Barone Pizzini

Franciacorta is marked by a long and deep sense of place. It references both a place of origin in name (Franciacorta is Italy’s first sparkling DOCG) and a method of production, metodo classico, where second fermentation occurs in bottle. The hills surrounding Lake Iseo form a glacial amphitheater, and it is here where the bubbly wines of Franciacorta were widely prized and consumed as early as the 13th century. Since 1870, Barone Pizzini has captured the area’s long cultural significance to help shape both Franciacorta’s legacy and contemporary character. The winery is a keen observer of their land, developing thoughtful farming models that have propelled the estate at the vanguard of their region. At its core importance, Barone Pizzini places its trust in nature first. Silvano Brescianini, Barone Pizzini’s winemaker (and Managing Partner), took over winemaking responsibilities in 1994. For Brescianini, vines and wines here are borne out of a central theme: natural farming and transparency of place. The goal of low intervention results in wines defined less by artifice and more by location. Barone Pizzini allows for the narrative of events during the growing season to be observed rather than act as agents of nature. Barone Pizzini Animante Franciacorta DOCG Brut NV Animate is sourced from the estate’s 25 vineyards scattered in different locations across Franciacorta. They cover a total surface area of 47 hectares. The average elevation of the vines is 200/300 meters above sea level, with an average age of 20 years. Subsoils are complex in origin. Some are morainic in nature, while others are enriched by glacial river deposits. Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Bianco are sourced from all four distinct sites and harvested in August. Grapes are gently pressed, fermented in stainless steel tanks for six months, and further refined in bottle on natural yeasts for 20-30 until disgorgement and a dosage mixture of 2-3g/l of organic sugar is added.

Barone Pizzini Bagnadore Franciacorta Riserva DOCG Bagnadore references the small river close to the cellar. Chardonnay and Pinot Nero are sourced from Roccolo. This three hectare, single-vineyard was planted in 1992 on morainic soils and glacial deposits at 260 meters above sea level. The average age of the vines is 23 years. The vineyard is surrounded by woods that moderate day and night temperatures, giving the site rich biodiversity. After an August harvest, the Chardonnay and Pinot Nero are gently pressed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless and barrels. It is aged for six months in stainless steel tanks and barriques, followed by 60-70 months in bottle on the natural yeasts until disgorgement. Bagnadore is dosage zéro.

WINES OF NORTHERN ITALY

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