Country: Italy  Region: Lombardia  Vintage: 2018 Varietal:  Chardonnay  Category: White Wine  Color:  White Producer: Bellavista "This estate makes Italy's finest sparkling wines from its 200 hectares of vineyard situated in the western part of the Franciacorta zone in a natural amphitheatre. The glacial soil is full of stones and provides the ideal environment for the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes used in the production of their Franciacorta.The property was founded when Vittorio Moretti bought the hill called 'Bellavista', because of its stunning view, in the early 1970s. His grandfather had farmed in Franciacorta, where Moretti was born and, after making his money in construction he returned to buy this superb site. His first vintage in 1979 was made with the idea of having his own wine to drink with friends. In 1981, however, he met a young winemaker called Mattia Vezzola and from this meeting was born the partnership that has transformed Bellavista into Italy's leading producer of quality sparkling wine.Today Francesca, Vittorio's daughter, is leading the company following Vittorio's steps. They have an approach to production that is astonishing in the way it cuts no corners. Having gone to all this effort, Moretti wanted to ensure the bottle looked good, so he had his own design produced by the Murano glass factory in Venice. It is a work of art.The wines stand out for their finesse and elegance, making a second glass irresistible! Founder Vittorio Moretti often refers to the wines' digestibility, hence making them ideal food wines, or perfect simply as an aperitif or digestif. The Alma is now called Alma Grand Cuvée as the wines spends at least 40 months on the lees before desgorgement. The Satèn is a sumptuous 100% Chardonnay while the 'Vittorio Moretti', only produced in exceptional vintages, is something else. In addition to the sparkling range, Bellavista also produces still wines from Chardonnay, including two exceptional single vineyard wines 'Vigna Uccellanda' and 'Convento Vigna SS. Annuniciata', both Curtefranca Bianco DOC." Winemaker:  Mattia Vezzola Vineyards: Bellavista has chosen 190 hectares of vines in 10 communes within the Franciacorta DOCG. The vineyards have some of the best exposure, character and expressive potential in the area. This has given rise to 107 small crus that express the intrinsic personality of the land and the subtle nuances of its character and personality. This wine is made from fruit coming from the vineyard at the Convento dell'Annunciata, which has been cultivated by the monks there since 1449. Now in the hands of Bellavista and planted entirely with Chardonnay, this 5.15 hectare vineyard is a mix of sandy, silty soil and clay, limestone-rich soil. Vinification: Made in the traditional method, the must fermented in small three to four year old oak barrels where it remained for 12 months. Bottled during the second spring after harvest, it then rested for a further year in bottle before release. Tasting Notes:  A deep straw yellow in colour, with very bright greenish highlights. The nose is broad and appealing, with hints of ripe fruit, especially apricot and pineapple. It also has an attractive and elegant vanilla note and a marked mineral vein. Displaying excellent balance and freshness on the palate, it has a long, tangy finish. Food Suggestion: Serve with roast chicken or game dishes. Adds a lovely flavour to risottos if used in cooking. Closure: Natural Cork  ABV:13.5%  Classification: DOC