Candied citrus, peaches, hints of honeysuckle and nutty undertones. Smooth and delicate on the palate with fine bubbles and creamy texture. Balanced and focused. Steady acidity binds it together, keeping the tension and energy. Drink or hold.

The Ca' del Bosco 2018 Franciacorta Vintage Collection Dosage Zéro is 76% Chardonnay, 16% Pinot Nero and 8% Pinot Bianco. It ferments in small oak casks for five months, followed by 48 months sur lie. The wine shows an immediate brightness and focus with crisp lemon, bitter almond and apple, with some delicate white flower or elderflower that gives this sparkler a punchy and refreshing character. For a Dosage Zéro, it has a nice contrast between body and acidity, not an easy feat, despite the fact there is no added sugar.

The 2013 Franciacorta Vintage Collection Dosage Zéro (disgorged in the fall of 2017) is a blend of 65% Chardonnay, 13% Pinot Bianco and 22% Pinot Nero. This is a radiant and festive sparkling wine with an open and accessible personality. The bouquet is layered and bright with ripe tones of peach, apple and passion fruit. Warm notes of baked bread appear on the finish. In the mouth, the wine shows medium texture and generous fiber.

Here's a creamy and frothy Metodo Classico sparkling wine from Northern Italy. The 2012 Franciacorta Vintage Collection Dosage Zéro delivers a soft and luminous appearance with soapy white foam. The bouquet shows measured intensity with delicate aromas of stone fruit, lemon custard and candied almond. The approach is fine, light and delicate especially in terms of mouthfeel. Chardonnay (65%) is assembled with 13% Pinot Bianco and 22% Pinot Nero.

“Dosage Zero” means no sweetness has been added to this sparkler and the result is an intensely nutty wine with aromas of toasted almonds and walnuts, fresh apple and peach cobbler. Those toasty, nutty notes spread evenly throughout the mouth thanks to the wine’s smooth creaminess. Imported by Paterno Wines International. ——M.L.(6/1/2006)—— 90