Tenuta Martinelli is owned by three brothers, and sits at the base of Monte Orfano, about 25 miles east of Milan. Monte Orfano is the only hill of marine origin from the Miocene age here in the Po Valley – granting it a unique composition of sedimentary rock interspersed with gravelly and pebbly elements, as well as the red, calcareous soils loaded with clay and iron oxide. The isolation of this hill, set amongst the backdrop of the Italian alps has a unique combination of soils that make for equally unique expressions in the vineyards, and we’re sure you’ll agree – these wines are like nothing else you’ve ever tasted! 

Champagne’s influence is clearly seen here, with a blend of 80% chardonnay and 20% pinot nero – picked and fermented separately, aged for 6-7 months, and then blended together and aged on the lees in bottle for a full 18 months. Intense and heady aromas of pine resin, lemon peel, forest duff, and iron ore soften on the palate to reveal gloriously ripe Gala apples, brown butter pears, cranberries, river rocks, green tea, lemon verbena, spicy ginger, and tingly white pepper. That’s a lot going on for under $30! Round and bold, with a playful and persistent mousse and a dry, minerally, and powerful finish… this is serious bubbly at an amazing price! Great staying power with flavors that hold for a good minute, and deeply earthy complexity warms the soul as only Italy can. 

We’re loving our first Franciacorta, and pretty certain you will too! Bring on November!