Drink.  Learn.  Laugh.  Repeat.

Welcome Back!Sign in here:

Not Registered?Become one of our thirsty clan 333,848 strong:

Register Today!

Fanciacorta Saten Brut 2005 Museum Release 2005 Wine Review

Fanciacorta Saten Brut 2005 Museum Release 2005

Fanciacorta Saten Brut 2005 Museum Release 2005

Franciacorta, Lombady, Italy

Community Score:95/100

Community Reviews: 1

  Add My Review


Drink: 2015-2022

Alcohol: 12%

Wine Type: Sparkling Wine


Reviews and Ratings

Stephen Beaumont CSW CWE rated this wine as 95/100 with the following review:

Just south of Lago d'Iseo in the Lombardy area of Northern Italy, lies the region of Franciacorta where they have been making wine since 11th century when Burgundian monks set up shop there. Most famous for its sparkling wines that are made using the traditional Champagne method (with the second fermentation in bottle), it is a region that deserves greater recognition as the wines, as evidenced by this exquisite example of a prestige sparkler from Ricci Curbastro, can be absolutely world class.

I was fortunate to attend a seminar in Toronto at which Ricardo Ricci Curbastro was present, and he guided us through several of his wines. The company is very invested in sustainable practices and has achieved a negative carbon footprint that is now internationally recognized. But this is no gimmick; you can sense the passion as soon as he starts to speak about his business, and the quality of the wines speak for themselves.

This is not an inexpensive wine - it retails for around $80 in USA - but compares very favourably to its French cousins in both value and quality. It is made from 100% Chardonnay and is smooth as silk (saten), another product for which the Lombardy area is famous.

The bouquet has citrus and tropical notes layered with the yeasty aromas of an Italian bakery. The flavours, which are beautifully melded owing to the long aging, are slightly herbaceous but tinged with flowers and perhaps some vanilla and butter. Absolutely delicious on its own but crying out for food. Although this is a sparkling wine, Ricardo told us that in Franciacorta, they simply refer to it as 'wine'. It can accompany an entire meal and is not thought of as a wine only for celebration. If I could drink this wine every day, I would be a happy man!

Seek it out, savour and enjoy. And if you get a chance to visit the area, visit the winery. It is a spectacular part of the world and you may even bump into George Cluny who lives nearby on Lake Como!

If you liked the Fanciacorta Saten Brut 2005 Museum Release 2005, you might also like these wines:

WANT TO LEARN HOW TO

PAIR WINE
& FOOD?

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

Wine of the Week

As featured on  

CTV Wine of the Week!

Charles Baker White Wine
Riesling 2021,
Vinemount Ridge, Niagara Peninsula, Ontario V.Q.A. ...

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 333,848 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

Red, White & Drunk all over by Natalie MacLean

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

Unquenchable by Natalie MacLean

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

Insider tips on starting a wine cellar
From wine racks to underground caves, insider tips on size and space, number of bottles, ideal conditions and reputable resources.   learn more  
Winner World's Best Drink Writer
WFour-Time Winner James Beard Foundation
Five-Time Winner Association of Food Journalists
Six-Time Winner Bert Greene Award
Best Wine Literature Book Gourmand World Cookbook Awards
Online Writer of the Year Louis Roederer International Wine Writing Award