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Wine Spectator said, “Franciacorta has the texture of Champagne and the freshness of Prosecco.”

Franciacorta is an Italian sparkling wine appellation nestled at the foot of the Alps. This region is known to produce some of the most exciting sparkling wines in the country, using the classic (Champenoise) method. Decanter said, “This area of northern Italy is considered one of the best resources for quality, traditional-method sparkling wines in the country.”

The 2018 Antica Fratta 'Essence' Saten Franciacorta is a captivating reflection of a winery with deep roots in both history and innovation. Nestled in the heart of the Franciacorta region, Antica Fratta is not just a vineyard—it’s the embodiment of a legacy passed down through generations. The winery’s story begins in 1850, with a cellar carved into the very rock beneath the land, once used to store hundreds of liters of wine. Today, Antica Fratta continues to honor this timeless tradition while pushing the boundaries of excellence in sparkling wine production.

Since Franco Ziliani’s discovery of this remarkable land in 1979, the winery has worked tirelessly to craft wines that speak to the very essence of their terroir. The 2018 ‘Essence’ Saten is a testament to that relentless dedication. Made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, this Franciacorta sparkler is aged to perfection, allowing its delicate bubbles to carry forward the richness of its history. Every sip is a journey through time—one that starts in the glacial soils of Monticelli Brusati, where warm, sun-filled days are balanced by cool, crisp nights that preserve the grape’s vital acidity.

The winery’s 30 hectares of vineyards are a mosaic of terroir, ranging from gentle hills to more challenging, inaccessible valleys. Each plot contributes to the wine’s vibrant complexity, with the 2018 vintage showcasing the perfect marriage of freshness and depth. The meticulous winemaking process, which includes long aging on the lees, gives this wine its signature elegance—creamy notes of brioche, a hint of lemon zest, and a subtle minerality that speaks to the unique nature of the region’s soils.

Antica Fratta doesn’t just produce wine; it creates an experience, a living history in every bottle. The ‘Essence’ Saten is more than a sparkling wine—it’s a celebration of the passion, patience, and pioneering spirit that has shaped the winery’s legacy. Whether you’re toasting a special occasion or indulging in a quiet moment of luxury, this wine will transport you to the heart of Franciacorta, where history and innovation dance in every bubble.

100% Chardonnay. Elegant, seductive, with ever-changing nuances. Subtle notes of citrus meld effortlessly into hints of tropical fruit. Made exclusively from Chardonnay, and crafted in a way to produce effervescence more delicate than that of the other styles.

Yellow-green with greyish reflections. Mint, citrus fruits, aniseed and fennel on the nose. Fresh, precise and elegant on the palate. Compact and with character, juicy on the finish. ~92 Falstaff

This has a very fresh and smooth palate with honeyed pears and lemons, delivered in silky and soft mode. Drink now. ~91 James Suckling

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