At a glance

Producer

Il Pendio

Region

Franciacorta, Lombardia, Italy

Grape variety

Chardonnay

Wine type

Sparkling

Body

Light-bodied and Crisp

Sweetness

Bone Dry

Typical price

€28-€40 ($30-$44 USD)

Tasting profile

Brilliant pale gold with fine, persistent bead. Intense aromas of lemon zest, green apple, wet stone, almond blossom. Dry, taut palate with racy acidity, saline-mineral drive, bread crust, subtle hazelnut depth.

Evolution: Develops toast, biscuit, baked apple, and oxidative notes with age; fruit profile mellows, lees character emerges.

At peak: By 3-5 years from vintage, harmoniously integrated acidity, deep minerality, savory complexity and creamy mousse.

Structure

Acidity

High, crisp and refreshing

Tannins

None (white sparkling Chardonnay)

Alcohol

Typically 12-12.5% ABV

Aging potential

Moderate for top Franciacorta Pas Dosé (peak within 3-7 years post-release)

Drinking window

Peak drinking

3 to 5

Optimal window

2 to 6

Current status

Fresh releases are immediately enjoyable but will improve for several years; vintage indicates specific timing.

Current condition

Young bottles are crisp, vibrant, developing added complexity with short-term cellaring.

Franciacorta Pas Dosé styles show their best between 3-5 years from vintage as reserve base wines and lees complexity integrate with core fruit and minerality. Minimal dosage highlights terroir and freshness, but shorter peak than higher-dosage styles.

Food pairing

Ideal with oysters, shellfish, aged cheeses, tempura, sashimi, white meats, and risotto with lemon or seafood.

Serving

Decant

Not required

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 9/10

Il Pendio practices fully organic farming (no chemical herbicides or synthetic treatments), hand-harvesting, native yeasts, no animal fining products (vegan), low-sulphite, gravity-fed cellar, traditional bottle fermentation, recycled lightweight glass, natural corks.

Il Pendio is among the most committed sustainable producers in Franciacorta: 100% organic certified, eco-friendly farming, natural winemaking, and low-impact packaging. Minimal intervention, low-input, hand-crafted sparkling wine at a small family-owned estate. Carbon footprint is minimized through regional consumption, local resource sourcing, reduced intervention, and environmentally respectful processes.