2015 Ca del Bosco Franciacorta Riserva Annamaria Clementi Sparkling, Lombardy

The moment the cork is pulled, the entire room will look as aromas of baked pear tart aromas, topped by savory herbs and delicate flowers, are crowned with warm brown butter and candied lemon peel spill from the glass. This Franciacorta is rich and full-bodied, evoking the essence of Bananas Foster, yet kept fresh by an invigorating and energizing acidity. The wine is textured, complex, and ever-evolving, creating a stunning and memorable wine. Drink Now - 2045

98 points wineenthusiast.com

Ca' del Bosco Franciacorta Riserva Annamaria Clementi is the pinnacle of Italian sparkling wine, a méthode traditionnelle masterpiece from Lombardy’s rolling hills that rivals the greatest cuvées of Champagne. Named in honour of founder Maurizio Zanella’s mother, this is Ca' del Bosco’s flagship bottling — a wine of extraordinary finesse, power and longevity that showcases the absolute best of Franciacorta terroir and craftsmanship.

The wine is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero from meticulously farmed estate vineyards, harvested by hand and selected with exacting precision. Grapes undergo Ca’ del Bosco’s unique berry spa system to remove impurities before fermentation in small oak barrels. The base wine then rests on its lees for at least seven years in bottle before disgorgement, allowing for immense complexity and depth to develop.

The nose is layered and seductive, offering brioche, toasted almonds, lemon curd, white truffle, chamomile and baked apple. The palate is creamy and expansive, yet incredibly refined, with a vibrant bead and flavours of citrus zest, nougat, hazelnut and fine chalky minerality. The finish is long, dry and savoury, with a persistent elegance that reveals its pedigree.

Food pairing: best with refined dishes like lobster thermidor, caviar, roasted turbot with beurre blanc, or aged Parmigiano-Reggiano. Also stunning with poultry in truffle sauce or a simple plate of sashimi to highlight its purity.

Cellar potential: already expressive but built to evolve. Drink from release to 2035 and beyond, gaining depth, savoury detail and textural grace over time.