In the glass
Aroma: green apple, white peach, white flowers, fresh almond, brioche
Palate: green apple, lemon zest, creamy mousse, saline minerality
Antica Fratta's volume Brut Essence from the Monticelli Brusati cellar. Chardonnay-led with 24 months on lees and a creamy mousse.
What it pairs with
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Vitello tonnato
Find vitello tonnato on TableJourney →
Cool veal with tuna-mayonnaise sauce finds a foil in the wine's creamy mousse; classic Lombard pairing. -
Burrata with anchovy
Find burrata with anchovy on TableJourney →
Almond aromatics mirror the burrata's lactic core; saline minerality carries the anchovy brine. -
Carpaccio di branzino
Raw sea bass finds a foil in the wine's lemon zest and saline finish.
History
Antica Fratta was named by Franco Ziliani after the historic area in Monticelli Brusati. The cellar dates to 1979 in its present form, built into a 1850s rock-cut underground space at Dosso Angelini. Essence is the cellar's volume Brut.
- 1979 — Antica Fratta founded at Monticelli Brusati
- 1985 — First Essence Brut release
Facts
- Producer
- Antica Fratta
- Grapes
- Chardonnay (90%), Pinot Nero (10%)
- Classification
- DOCG Franciacorta Brut
- Oak
- Stainless steel; minimum 24 months on lees in bottle
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 22 to 35 at retail
- Drinking window
- 0-5 from disgorgement
- First vintage
- 1985
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Antica Fratta Essence Brut
What does Antica Fratta Essence Brut taste like?
Green apple, white peach, white flowers, fresh almond and brioche on the nose; green apple, lemon zest, creamy mousse and saline minerality on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a long finish.
Who founded Antica Fratta?
Antica Fratta was named by Franco Ziliani (the same enologist behind Berlucchi's 1961 founding cuvée) after the historic place name in Monticelli Brusati. The current cellar dates to 1979 and produces around 300,000 bottles a year from 50 hectares.
When should I drink Essence Brut?
Drink within 0 to 5 years of disgorgement. The wine carries a creamy mousse and almond aromatics; younger releases are at their freshest.