Aquila Reale Riserva 2003

Since 2001, the first year it was produced, this vintage bubbly has always been made with only Chardonnay grapes from a single vineyard, the old Maso Sette Fontana in the Valle di Cembra. At 500 meters above sea level the terroir express all its essence. The grapes are picked in September and pressed softly. Fermentation and malolactic fermentation take place in part in wood and in part in steel. This is followed by pressing, tirage and sitting in the lees for 72 months. This was the same process used to make all the Aquila Reale tasted
2003 was a very hot year and this was evident in the wine. The color is a nice straw-yellow with shinny gold reflections. The aroma is very intense, complex and articulated on pleasing fragrances of broom, elder, hay, mineral, citrus and a cocktail of candied fruits on a background of spices, coconut, vanilla and blond tobacco. The flavor is broad, distinct and with a full body. This soon opens to a salty acidity upheld and almost sweetened by alcohol. The wide finish brings with it a souvenir of cotton candy and roasted almonds. No longer on the market.