Structure

Bodymedium
Tanninlow
Acidityhigh
Sweetnessdry
Finishmedium
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 acidityDryMedium finish

Aroma: green apple, lemon zest, white flowers, fresh almond, brioche

Palate: green apple, lemon pith, creamy mousse, fresh almond

The line that commemorates Franciacorta's 1961 birth year at Berlucchi. Chardonnay-led Brut with green apple lift, creamy mousse and a fresh almond finish at an accessible price.

What it pairs with

  • Pa amb tomaquet
    Salt-cured tomato on toast meets the wine's green apple and saline lift; an Italian-Spanish aperitivo crossover.
  • Brescian aperitivo platter
    Salame Brescia, soppressa and Bagòss cheese find a foil in the wine's creamy mousse and brioche aromatics.
  • Fritto misto di lago
    Mixed fried lake fish from Iseo finds its match in the wine's high acidity and lemon pith.

History

The '61 line was launched in 2009 to commemorate Franco Ziliani's 1961 founding vintage of Italian methode champenoise at Palazzo Lana. It is now Berlucchi's volume flagship and the most-poured Franciacorta in Italian on-trade.

  1. 1961: Franco Ziliani makes the first Italian methode champenoise sparkling at Berlucchi's Palazzo Lana
  2. 2009: Berlucchi '61 line launched to commemorate the 1961 founding vintage

Facts

Producer
Guido Berlucchi & C. · visiting guide
Grapes
Chardonnay (90%), Pinot Nero (10%)
Classification
DOCG Franciacorta Brut
Oak
Stainless steel only; minimum 24 months on lees in bottle
ABV
12.5%
Price
EUR 18 to 28 at retail
Drinking window
0-5 from disgorgement
First vintage
2009
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Berlucchi '61 Brut

What does Berlucchi '61 Brut taste like?

Green apple, lemon zest, white flowers, fresh almond and brioche on the nose; green apple, lemon pith, creamy mousse and fresh almond on the palate. Medium-bodied with high acidity and a medium finish.

Why is the wine called '61?

1961 is the year Franco Ziliani made the first Italian methode champenoise sparkling at Guido Berlucchi's Palazzo Lana in Borgonato. The '61 line commemorates that founding vintage of Italian traditional-method sparkling.

When should I drink Berlucchi '61 Brut?

Drink within 0 to 5 years of disgorgement. The wine is built for freshness; the creamy mousse and almond aromatics carry to year four but soften beyond.

What food pairs with '61 Brut?

Brescian aperitivo platters with Bagòss cheese, fried lake fish from Iseo, and salt-cured tomato on toast all work. The wine's high acidity and creamy mousse fit the aperitivo brief.

Tags

chardonnay drink young dry high acid medium body mood festive mood refreshing occasion aperitivo occasion celebration occasion weeknight old world pairs with aperitif pairs with charcuterie pairs with fried food pairs with shellfish pairs with white fish pinot nero price trade up sparkling traditional value pick vegan

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