Bellavista Alma Assemblage 2 Franciacorta DOCG Extra Brut, Lombardy

Brilliant straw yellow colour. Fine and persistent mousse. Complex nose with notes of citron, lemon leaves, white peach and aromatic herbs. Fresh, firm and precise on the palate, the mousse is creamy and lively, the entire drinking flow is accompanied by a pleasant saltiness. Mineral and persistent finish.

94 points Falstaff

Franciacorta is Italy’s answer to the world’s great sparkling wines, and Bellavista has been one of its leading names since Vittorio Moretti founded the estate in the 1970s. Set in Lombardy, just south of Lake Iseo, the vineyards benefit from a mix of morainic soils and a temperate climate that allows Chardonnay and Pinot Nero to ripen slowly while retaining freshness. Alma Assemblage 2 is a refined expression of this philosophy, blending multiple vintages and parcels to create consistency, depth and elegance.

The wine opens with fine, persistent bubbles carrying aromas of lemon zest, green apple and white peach, layered with delicate notes of brioche, almond and a hint of honey. There is a subtle floral lift and a gentle mineral edge that gives it a polished, composed feel.

On the palate it is precise and beautifully balanced, with a creamy mousse and a line of bright acidity that gives the wine drive. Citrus and orchard fruit flow into more savoury territory, toasted nuts, biscuit and a faint saline note, finishing long and dry with a clean, refined edge. The Extra Brut dosage keeps everything tight and focused, emphasising purity over richness.

Winemaking follows the traditional method, with careful selection of base wines and extended lees ageing to build texture and complexity. The blending across vintages allows for both freshness and depth, creating a wine that feels complete and harmonious.

This is incredibly versatile at the table. Fresh oysters, seafood risotto, or grilled fish all work beautifully, and it also handles richer dishes like roast chicken or even lightly creamy sauces where the acidity can cut through.

Drinking beautifully now, it will continue to evolve over the next five to eight years, developing more nutty, honeyed complexity while maintaining its structure.