Animante Extra Brut – Franciacorta – Barone Pizzini

The wine Animante Extra Brut of the Barone Pizzini winery

The Animante Extra Brut of the Barone Pizzini winery is a little bit of the soul of the winery itself. Created to crown the path of renewal both in the vineyard and in the cellar wanted by the birthright of Barone Pizzini, it is the winery’s flagship, known worldwide. It is bland: Chardonnay 83%, Pinot Noir 5%, Pinot Bianco 7%, and Erbamat 5%.. All grapes grown in 25 different vineyards scattered throughout Provaglio d’Iseo, Passirano, Corte Franca, and Capriolo. All are between 200 and 300 meters above sea level.

This Franciacorta is organic; the winery chooses to use, both in the countryside and in the cellar, processing methods that allow it to represent the territory to the maximum. In the vineyard, all substances used are of natural origin. Furthermore, Barone Pizzini encourages biodiversity to allow for the balance between all forms of life, plant and animal.

THE WINEMAKING

The grape harvest is strictly manual; once in the cellar, the grapes go through a soft pressing. The wine then ferments in heat-conditioned stainless steel tanks. The wine ages eight months in stainless steel tanks before being bottled for the second fermentation; it rests in the bottle for a period ranging from 20 to 30 months, depending on the vintage.

Tasting the wine of the winery

Straw yellow, with a fine and persistent perlage. The aroma is elegant, with notes of bread that are pleasantly intertwined with floral scents of citrus. Sweet notes of acacia honey and fruity hints of apricot are also perceived to close with puffs of dried fruit. Very creamy on the palate, an elegant medium-bodied wine, fresh and savoury with a perfect correspondence between aromas and flavour. Persistence is also excellent.

FOOD PAIRINGS

Excellent as an aperitif, it goes well with fish, even raw but also with white meats. Try it with the “Culatello di Zibello”

THE AWARDS

– 3 glasses by the guide Gambero Rosso
– 4 grapes by the guide Bibenda
– 87/100 Veronelli
– SlowWine – Wine Slow