Community Review

Franciacorta Extra Brut - Ricci Curbastro 2011

Lombardy, Italy

Community Score: 4.5/5
Community Reviews: 1

Price: $57.00

Sweetness: Extra Dry
Alcohol: 12%

Drink: 2016-2021

Stephen Beaumont CSW CWE rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Sadly I was unable to attend the Simply Italian Great Wines show in Toronto this year to meet up with Ricardo Curbastro the maker of stupendous Franciacorta sparklers. I tasted (and reviewed) two of his wines in 2015 and was greatly impressed with the quality, style and finesse that they exhibited. His Toronto distributor, Wine Moves (currently the only place we can purchase Ricci's wines) kindly provided a sample of his Extra Brut for my review.

With vineyards skirting Lago d'Iseo in Lombardy (a gem of a lake where I remember witnessing a local wedding on a patio with the entire group bursting into spontaneous song), Curbastro uses equal proportions of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in his Extra Brut. Not released until 48 months after harvest, the slow bottle ageing and extremely dry dosage results in a wine of distinction, albeit somewhat less approachable initially than the Saten and Brut. The colour is straw yellow, bright and with rising strings of remarkably tiny bubbles that burst on your tongue with initial acidity that then create a memorable creaminess. But before tasting, ensure you luxuriate in the yeasty, mineral aromas emanating from the glass. Again, I find them to be more subtle and reticent, especially when compared to the 100% Chardonnay Saten, but you know immediately that this is a wine of class and breeding.

The creamy-soft mouthfeel, unmistakable Chardonnay characteristics, highlighted by Pinot Noir notes, is a prelude to a long and refined finish that leaves you wanting to repeat the show with another, then another sip.

Extra brut sparkling wines, including Champagnes, can actually feel somewhat austere. Our modern palates are becoming increasingly used to higher levels of residual sugar, and this wine may not be as appealing or approachable to some, particularly as a drink-on-its-own aperitif. But pair it with salty hors d'oeuvre, wafer thin prosciutto or oysters (oh, I am salivating just writing this!) and you will be singing as loudly as those wedding guests in Iseo!

Read Natalie's Full Review

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

Join me in a free online video class to learn the secrets to perfect pairings.

SAVE MY SEAT!

Wine of the Week

As featured on

VINADA® Sparkling Wine
Sparkling Crispy Chardonnay Mini,
Languedoc ...

Natalie MacLean

Natalie MacLean offers North America's most popular online wine and food pairing classes. She was named the World's Best Drinks Writer at the World Food Media Awards in Australia.

Natalie has published two books with Random House, both selected as one of Amazon's Best Books of the Year.

Join 333,937 thirsty wine lovers who get access to all of her wine reviews by becoming a member of her site. Take a free online pairing class with her here.

FEEL LOST IN THE

LCBO?

Know the wines you want before you even get to the store with my wine reviews. Join now. It's free.

Red, White & Drunk All Over

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean writes about wine with a sensuous obsession... and often laugh-out-loud funny... Terrific.

Rex Pickett, Sideways

Ms. MacLean is the disarming Everywoman. She loves wine, loves drinking ... ultimately, it's a winning formula.

Eric Asimov, The New York Times

GOT A SMARTPHONE?

Access my reviews on mobile with the bar code scanner.

GET NAT'S APP

Unquenchable: A Tipsy Search

Best Books of the Year

Natalie MacLean is a new force in the wine writing world ‐ a feisty North American answer to Hugh Johnson and Jancis Robinson. She can write beautifully about wine.

The Financial Times of London

There are very few people in the wine world who "get it" and Natalie is one of those who brings more fun to a buttoned-up and stodgy game.

Gary Vaynerchuck, Wine Library TV

Starting a Wine Cellar?

Expert advice for all budgets

From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources. learn more

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,937 strong:

Community Review