Franciacorta Brut Gran Cuvée 1998

A hot year, with just a little rain at harvest time. It is made from 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Nero grapes. The colour is a deep straw yellow, and the perlage is very fine, sedate and dense. The nose is fragrant, with milky and smoky notes and mineral (flinty) hints and scents of flowers and almonds. Its flavour is full, tangy, very forthright and intense, and creamy. It displays good body and persistence.