Antica Fratta Essence Brut by Antica Fratta

Structure

Bodymedium

Tanninlow

Acidityhigh

Sweetnessdry

Finishlong

Oaknone or neutral

Drinking window

Best 0 to 5 years from disgorgement.

disgorgement0 yrs5 yrs8 yrs

Critic scores

No critic score is published for this bottle that we can cite with a reviewer, a vintage and a review year, so none is shown. The rating in the header is our own.

In the glass

Medium-bodiedLow tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

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

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 · visiting guide
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.

Taste it where it is made: tours and tastings in Franciacorta

Franciacorta: Guided Winery Tour and Tasting Experience

Guided tour2 hours5.0 from 4 reviewsfrom €25

Explore the Ferghettina winery with a guided visit. Choose between a classic or reserve tasting, each paired with local specialties.

Check dates and book

Franciacorta: Tour and Food Tasting at the Family Winery in Corte Franca

Guided tour1h 30m5.0 from 4 reviewsfrom €54

Discover an authentic experience in Franciacorta with a visit to the winery, wine tasting and local food tasting, guided directly by a family of producers.

Check dates and book