Franciacorta Brut Gran Cuvée 2006

This was a fairly regular and straightforward vintage, if rather hot. It is made from 75% Chardonnay and 25% Pinot Nero grapes. It has a straw yellow colour with greenish highlights, and a fine, dense perlage. It is fruity and fragrant on the nose, with hints of rennet apples, faint notes of yoghurt, creamy goat’s cheese, crusty bread, fresh almonds and pineapple. The flavour is fresh, tangy and lively, with good balance and reasonable persistence, but perhaps its taste profile is a little bit simple.