2020 Ca del Bosco Franciacorta Vintage Collection Zéro Dosage DOCG, Lombardy

A multilayered and rich sparkling wine with aromas of ripe, almost exotic fruit, pineapple and strawberry pie. On the balanced palate it shows fine bubbles, a medium body, zesty acidity and flavors of bright green apples. Citrus and pastry in the long finish. Drink or hold.

94 points James Suckling

Ca' del Bosco is one of the great names of Franciacorta, the sparkling wine region of Lombardy. Founded by Maurizio Zanella, the estate has helped establish Franciacorta as Italy's answer to Champagne, with meticulous vineyard work and an uncompromising approach to quality. The Vintage Collection Dosage Zéro is among its most distinctive wines, celebrated for its purity, fine texture and complete absence of added sugar at disgorgement.

The 2020 is a traditional method sparkling wine made from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco. Extended ageing on lees develops complexity and a beautifully fine mousse, while the zero dosage finish allows the fruit, acidity and mineral character to speak for themselves.

Bright straw gold with a delicate, persistent stream of bubbles. Lemon curd, green apple and white peach mingle with toasted brioche, almond and a touch of chalk. The palate is wonderfully dry and finely textured, with crisp citrus, subtle orchard fruit and savoury notes of freshly baked bread. Vibrant acidity and a distinctly saline mineral character carry through a long, precise finish.

Try it with Sydney rock oysters, tuna crudo with finger lime, or zucchini flowers stuffed with ricotta and herbs. It would also be superb alongside lightly fried calamari with lemon aioli.

Cellaring: Drink now to 2032. Beautifully fresh today, with the structure to develop further savoury and toasted complexity.