Bellavista Cuvee Brut Franciacorta Alma (NV)

Bellavista is considered among the finest of Italian sparkling wine producers and boasts 200-hectares of vineyard planted to chardonnay and pinot noir. The winery lies within western part of the Franciacorta and pulls fruit from across 10 communes and 103 parcels. Alma Gran Cuvee is made in the traditional method with some 15 percent of the wine being fermented and matured for seven months in small oak barrels. The final assemblage includes reserve wine from six to nine years old before it all spends 30 months on the lees. The result is a stylish bubble with floral undertones, green fruits and dried herbs enveloped in a stream of acidity that runs from the front to the back. The blend is 80/20 chardonnay/pinot noir with a mere one percent of pinot bianco to respect its Italian heritage.

91 Points - James Suckling

Pretty aromas of bread dough, lemon and cooked apple. Fresh. Medium to full body, tangy acidity and a fruity finish. Always an outstanding sparking wine.