Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Ca’ del Bosco “Annamaria Clementi” Franciacorta 2016, Franciacorta DOCG, Lombardy, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Prestige cuvée Franciacorta from Ca’ del Bosco, crafted using the traditional method and aged extensively on lees. The blend includes Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco, the latter adding a distinctive Italian identity rarely seen in Champagne. The 2016 vintage shows exceptional balance and refinement, delivering the depth and elegance expected from one of Italy’s most iconic sparkling wines.

Aromas & Flavors
White peach, baked apple, citrus zest, toasted brioche, almond pastry, and delicate floral tones. Subtle hints of honey, lemon curd, and crushed stone emerge with air, giving the wine impressive aromatic complexity.

Mouthfeel
Ultra-fine mousse with a creamy yet energetic texture. Structured and layered with vibrant acidity supporting a deep mid-palate. Long, persistent finish with elegance and precision, prestige cuvée level balance that rivals top Champagne houses.

Food Pairings
Lobster or scallop crudo. Oysters with citrus mignonette. Truffle risotto. Branzino or Dover sole. Aged Parmigiano Reggiano

Verdict
A striking example of Franciacorta at its highest level, refined, expressive, and unmistakably luxurious. The structure and finesse easily evoke comparisons with tête de cuvée Champagne, yet the presence of Pinot Bianco adds a subtle Italian nuance that sets it apart.

Did You Know?
Franciacorta requires longer minimum lees aging than Champagne for vintage wines (at least 30 months for vintage expressions), contributing to the creamy texture and complexity found in prestige cuvées like Annamaria Clementi.

🍷 Personal Pick
Absolutely a “whoa factor” sparkling wine, each glass reveals depth and refinement comparable to top Champagne prestige cuvées, yet with a distinctive Italian signature.
— 3 months ago

Richard Shin

9.2

Loved it. Delicate Sicilian but balanced fruit forward low al wine. And natural/organic. Everything I like. Better to finish I first day or two. Lost it on third day. Definitely buy again. — 5 years ago

C.C. Fridlin

9.1

Dinner at Lattanzi in New York City. Wonderful wine with dinner. — 6 years ago

Laura

9.5

A beautiful wine - perfect with our Italian meal - Delrio’s York — 3 years ago

Pooneet K

9.2

Very interesting wine, have not really had much like it before. A distinct almost sour note on the palate but still balanced with excellent freshness and verve. Nice pairing with some antipasto and sole on our last night in rome. — 4 years ago

Tim

9.6

Italy honeymoon wine for New Year’s Eve! — 5 years ago

Terry Howerton

9.3

Delicious, at a tiny seaside cafe in Monterossa al Mare — 7 years ago

Grant Sorbo

9.0

Citrus, Light, perfect with fish tacos, squid, and sole at Este — 3 years ago

with Stephen

Richard Shin

9.0

Tastes like spring! Really enjoyed this bright, fruity, crisp, berry-oriented red. Low al of 10.5%. Buy again occasionally. — 5 years ago

Daniel M

9.0

Very dense and dark color. This is intense. A superb cherry and almond nose. Rather simple but inviting. The palate is much better. A strong acid drive which leads the way, a superb width with a blooming cherry note all along. A nice, soft mouthfeel and some matter on the side. Tannins pop up in midpalate with a very fine grain that remains as a layer on top of the mouthfeel until the very end. The finish is fresh with the fruit note and this grainy, almost sandy tannins. This is very good! We paired with home made pasta al ragù, and this was a dream pairing. — 5 years ago