Ricci Curbastro Franciacorta Brut

The Curbastro winemaking and grape growing family dates back to the 13th century in the Lombardy region of northern Italy. Riccardo Curbastro’s sons, Gualberto and Filippo, are the 18th generation. Many workers at the winery are the 3rd or 4th generation, with a universal commitment to quality and excellence. Known for their beautiful Franciacorta sparkling wines, this is a Bottle Shop house favorite.

In addition to making excellent wines, the family opened a wine museum in 1986 with an emphasis on the history of farming. They run agricultural estates in Lugo di Romagna (Ravenna), Rontana di Brisighella (Ravenna), and the homonymous farm estate in Capriolo (Brescia, Franciacorta). Riccardo’s father was among the 11 founders of the Appellation Franciacorta in 1967, and Riccardo was the President of the Consorzio Vini Franciacorta when they achieved DOCG status in 1995. Since 1998, he also is the President of Federdoc, the interprofessional organization for wine denominations of origin in Italy. The labels feature the family’s coat of arms, with 2 hedgehogs (ricci in Italian) around an oak tree (Curbastro in Italian) .

Farming/sustainability practices: certified organic since 2018, after practicing Low Impact Farming since 1992. In the 1970’s, at around age 15, Riccardo read “Silent Spring” by Rachel Carson. His father was already trying to take care of the land for the next generation. Inspired by the book, they decided to stop using herbicides in 1980, decades before anyone else was doing the same. In 1986, Riccardo installed a weather station to better prepare for different circumstances in a sustainable manner. Also concerned about the use of copper sulfite in organic viticulture, he planted a vineyard with a hybrid resistant to fungal diseases, in which he is experimenting zero treatment. He otherwise uses many different clones of each of his grape varieties, to increase genetic diversity and flexibility in the winery. It is not about finding the perfect clone, but creating an average of many different clones.

Regarding the vinification, he has used since the 1990's a different recipe for the liqueur d’expédition. It is wine, sugar and yeast extract. It started as an effort to reduce the amount of SO2 (he uses a low level, 30% of the average usage in the area). He found supplementary benefits, however. The high amino acid content of the yeast extract has a lot of antioxidants and enriches the structure. He also found it dramatically extended the shelf life of the wine after disgorgement. 

The winery has also been Carbon Footprint certified since 2012. For electricity, it is completely self-sufficient, using solar cells, LED lamps, etc. The winery is a certified Benefit Company.

This low sulfite, organic sparkling is a wonderful, refined and expressive example of Franciacorta, with a captivating combination of floral (from the Pinot Blanc) and fruity (from the Chardonnay) notes. Brilliant straw yellow color with rich, abundant foam and a fine persistent bead. Slightly floral nose, elegant, notably intensity with notes of yeast and freshly baked bread. Structured palate, but smooth and creamy, even in its dry flavor, with fruity notes, and a long balanced finish.