Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Ca’ del Bosco “Annamaria Clementi” Franciacorta 2016, Franciacorta DOCG, Lombardy, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Prestige cuvée Franciacorta from Ca’ del Bosco, crafted using the traditional method and aged extensively on lees. The blend includes Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco, the latter adding a distinctive Italian identity rarely seen in Champagne. The 2016 vintage shows exceptional balance and refinement, delivering the depth and elegance expected from one of Italy’s most iconic sparkling wines.

Aromas & Flavors
White peach, baked apple, citrus zest, toasted brioche, almond pastry, and delicate floral tones. Subtle hints of honey, lemon curd, and crushed stone emerge with air, giving the wine impressive aromatic complexity.

Mouthfeel
Ultra-fine mousse with a creamy yet energetic texture. Structured and layered with vibrant acidity supporting a deep mid-palate. Long, persistent finish with elegance and precision, prestige cuvée level balance that rivals top Champagne houses.

Food Pairings
Lobster or scallop crudo. Oysters with citrus mignonette. Truffle risotto. Branzino or Dover sole. Aged Parmigiano Reggiano

Verdict
A striking example of Franciacorta at its highest level, refined, expressive, and unmistakably luxurious. The structure and finesse easily evoke comparisons with tête de cuvée Champagne, yet the presence of Pinot Bianco adds a subtle Italian nuance that sets it apart.

Did You Know?
Franciacorta requires longer minimum lees aging than Champagne for vintage wines (at least 30 months for vintage expressions), contributing to the creamy texture and complexity found in prestige cuvées like Annamaria Clementi.

🍷 Personal Pick
Absolutely a “whoa factor” sparkling wine, each glass reveals depth and refinement comparable to top Champagne prestige cuvées, yet with a distinctive Italian signature.
— 19 days ago

Jay Kline

9.4

Popped and poured; enjoyed over the course of an hour. The 2006 “Cuvée Annamaria Clementi” pours a deep straw color with a persistent mousse. On the nose, the wine is vinous, toasty, and leesy, with ripe tropical fruits, lemon curd, and marzipan. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long. This is super rich and creamy. Fabulous stuff. Drink now. Disgorged Autumn of 2015. — 3 months ago

Fabio Franchella

9.1

Sehr präzise frucht aus apfel und frischen aprikosen und hauch quitten. Frisch, mineralisch und auch etwas tiefgründig. Eher auf der apéro seite… — 2 months ago

with Zollinger

Fabio Franchella

9.0

Eigentlich in einer weinbar.. weiss aber nicht mehr wie sie heisst. Egal…schöner schaumwein! ;) — 3 months ago

with Zollinger

Anthony Pavlakovic

10

Tastes as good as a Chablis for half the cost — 5 months ago

Sagee Aran

9.3

2nd tasting of this vintage. Full body, this 100% Trebbiano di Lugana, from 50 years old vines shows a light golden color, nose of flowers and oak, on the palate it is rich and balanced. Went well with the grilled fish. — 7 months ago

Jennifer Lower

9.1

Very good. Would pick up a bottle (had at a bunko’s night). Paired well with a lemon meringue pie. Easy drink on its own. — 21 days ago

Doug Powers

9.1

Very fragrant with ripe pear, citrus (lemon and lime?), floral, great acidity and balance, big flavors but light on its feet, wonderful Italian Bianco!! — 2 months ago

with Jim

Mark S.

9.0

Yellow with green. Quite fruity from citrus to pear and peach. Chalk. Comfortable acidity. Always good. Cà dei Frati Brolettino Lugana Turbiana 22 @, Gdr, 251003
Lemon yellow. Quince. Peach. Chalk. Honeysuckle. White rose. Sweetness M Acidity 8 Cà dei Frati Brolettino Lugana Turbiana 22 @, Gdr, 251030 — 6 months ago

Alan Hyde

9.0

Very light honey and sweetness. — 8 months ago