rating B

standout founding producer of Franciacorta

about in 1955, Franco Ziliani and Guido Berlucchi joined forces with the ambition to produce sparkling wines as good as those of Champagne. The first successful vintage was 1961, which launched Franciacorta. Throughout the 1960s and 70s, they drove the global reputation of the region on a par with Champagne. Today, the winery is run by Franco's children, maintaining its position as one of Franciacorta's leading producers.

wines tasted

‘61 Brut NV ($39)

Named after the winery's first vintage made by Guido Berlucchi in 1961, this wine was first launched in 2009 and is a perfect introduction to the style of wine made in Franciacorta: fresh, elegant, and Chardonnay dominant. A regional blend, it's aged in the bottle on the lees for 24 months, with a dosage of 7g/L which adds some weight to the wine which is otherwise quite light and delicate.

“Guido” Rosé NV ($28)

70% Pinot Nero, called "rosé of one night," to describe the length of skin contact, with 15g/L of residual sugar. It's a rich, fruity, slightly sweet wine that's very satisfying and would be great with spicy food, but one I would find difficult to have more than one glass of.

website https://www.berlucchi.it/en/

email info@berlucchi.it

phone +39 030 984381

address Piazza Duranti, 4 Cortefranca