Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Satèn

Satèn is the gentler Franciacorta style, bottled at lower pressure so the bubbles feel soft and fine. Ricci Curbastro makes theirs from Chardonnay alone, fermented in oak barrels and released four years after harvest. Ripe fruit up front, then biscuit, almond and a touch of spice.

The fruit comes from the family's vineyards around Capriolo and Iseo, in the Franciacorta hills just south of Lake Iseo in Lombardy. After the first ferment in oak casks, the wine goes into bottle in spring for a slow second ferment. It then rests on its yeast for at least 40 months. A very dry dosage goes in after disgorging, and the bottles sit a few more months before release.

Gualberto Ricci Curbastro was one of the eleven growers behind the Franciacorta DOC in 1967. His son Riccardo now runs the estate with his own two sons, and they have made this Satèn since 1992.

The name comes from silk, once made in the area. Serve it at about 10 degrees in tall glasses that are not too narrow. It carries a whole meal, from nibbles through fish and white meat to the cheese board.