LLS Portfolio Book

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, 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 born 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. Rather than act as agents of nature, Barone Pizzini allows for the narrative of events during the growing season to be observed. “Animante” Franciacorta DOCG Brut 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.

Franciacorta DOCG Satèn Barone Pizzini’s Satèn is made exclusively of the best Chardonnay grapes from six vineyards: Prada, Roncaglia, Roccolo, Clogna, Carabioli and Ronchi. Soils here are morainic with glacial deposits sitting at 200 – 280 meters above sea level. Even ripening and high natural acidity are key in this selection of grapes to achieve distinct Satèn style: elegance, freshness of aroma, and finesse of perlage. After an August harvest, Chardonnay is gently pressed and fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks and barrels. It is aged for six months in stainless steel tanks and barriques, followed by 30 to 40 months in bottle on the natural yeasts until disgorgement and a dosage mixture of 2 – 3g/l of organic sugar is added.

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WINES OF NORTHERN ITALY