Francone Valsellera | Sparkling Rosé Brut NV | 100% Nebbiolo

A unique, UK-exclusive sparkling rosé made from the powerful Nebbiolo grape

This sparkling rosé wine from award-winning winemaker Fabrizio Francone is a delightfully unusual bubbly. It is made from Nebbiolo, which is normally reserved for the legendary reds of Piedmont: Barolo and Barbaresco. It was made using the classic method – similar to the way Champagne is made. The grapes were hand-harvested in late summer from the winemaker’s family vineyard in Neive. After crushing, the juice was left in contact with the skins for a few hours to absorb the distinctive Nebbiolo flavours, and then fermented at 16°C. Finally, it was aged in the bottle on its lees for three years – a very long period for a rosé. This extended ageing smoothened the muscular and coarse tannins Nebbiolo is famous for, and helped the wine to develop a velvety, delicate character.

Tasting notes: Pale ruby colour. On the nose, it is fruity, with aromas of raspberry, wild strawberry, vanilla and toasted bread. The wine is fresh and dry, with high acidity, a medium body and low alcohol. It has a delicate mousse, pronounced flavours and a long finish.