At a glance

Producer

Corte Bianca

Region

Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy

Grape variety

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir

Wine type

Sparkling

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$28-$40 USD

Tasting profile

Fresh citrus, green apple, white peach, hints of toasted brioche and almond, fine persistent mousse

Evolution: Gains nutty complexity, subtle honey and biscuit notes with 3-5 years on lees or after disgorgement

At peak: Brilliantly balanced tension and minerality combined with evolving maturity, best 3-5 years post-disgorgement

Structure

Acidity

High (characteristic of Franciacorta style)

Tannins

None (traditional method sparkling, white grapes primarily)

Alcohol

Moderate (12.5% typical)

Aging potential

Good for non-vintage Extra Brut: up to 6 years from disgorgement

Drinking window

Peak drinking

3 to 5

Optimal window

2 to 6

Current status

Drink or cellar short-term

Current condition

Fresh, with primary and some secondary notes developing at 3-4 years

Franciacorta Extra Brut from high-quality producers like Corte Bianca combines vibrancy and finesse in youth with subtle maturity as it ages. The best drinking window is typically within 3-5 years post-release, as wines maintain acidity and fresh aromatics, gaining only mild secondary notes before losing verve.

Food pairing

Oysters, sashimi, caviar, shellfish, light cheeses, vegetable tempura, delicate fish tartare

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Estate certified organic since 2014; minimal chemical use; focus on biodiversity (hedgerows, wildflower corridors, bee habitats); integrated pest management; solar energy use; water use monitoring; lightweight, recycled glass bottles and recycled paper for packaging; corks from sustainable forestry

Corte Bianca stands out in Franciacorta for deep commitment to sustainability. Fully organic, with broad biodiversity projects (hedges, insects, birds), solar energy implementation, reduced packaging impact, and habitat restoration. Use of local fruit and packaging further limits emissions, and they publicly track key energy/water metrics in sustainability reporting. One of the region’s greenest sparkling producers.