In the glass
Aroma: green apple, lemon, white flowers, fresh almond
Palate: green apple, lemon zest, creamy mousse, delicate citrus
The original Berlucchi traditional-method sparkling, the descendant of Franco Ziliani's 1961 founding cuvée. Now bottled outside DOCG as a VSQ at an everyday price.
What it pairs with
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Aperitivo platter with focaccia
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Brescian aperitivo focaccia and salame meet the wine's green apple and creamy mousse; an everyday Italian aperitivo pairing. -
Bresaola della Valtellina
Salt-cured beef from the nearby Valtellina valley finds a foil in the wine's high acidity and almond aromatics. -
Lake Iseo trout in carpione
Vinegar-marinated lake trout meets the wine's lemon zest and brut dosage; high acidity carries the marinade.
History
Cuvée Imperiale traces directly to Franco Ziliani's 1961 work at Palazzo Lana for Guido Berlucchi: the first Italian methode champenoise sparkling. The wine is now classified as VSQ rather than DOCG Franciacorta because it sources base wine from beyond the DOCG zone.
- 1961 — Franco Ziliani makes the first Italian traditional-method sparkling at Palazzo Lana
- 1967 — DOC Franciacorta promulgated
Facts
- Producer
- Guido Berlucchi & C.
- Grapes
- Chardonnay (90%), Pinot Nero (10%)
- Classification
- VSQ (Vino Spumante di Qualità) Brut
- Oak
- Stainless steel; minimum 18 months on lees in bottle
- ABV
- 12.5%
- Price
- EUR 12 to 18 at retail
- Drinking window
- 0-3 from disgorgement
- First vintage
- 1961
- Vegan
- Yes (no animal-derived fining)
Frequently asked about Berlucchi Cuvée Imperiale Brut
What does Berlucchi Cuvée Imperiale taste like?
Green apple, lemon, white flowers and fresh almond on the nose; green apple, lemon zest, creamy mousse and delicate citrus on the palate. Light-bodied with high acidity and a medium finish.
Is Cuvée Imperiale a Franciacorta DOCG?
No. Cuvée Imperiale is bottled as VSQ (Vino Spumante di Qualità) because base wine sources extend beyond the Franciacorta DOCG production zone. It is the descendant of Berlucchi's 1961 founding cuvée and the volume entry into the Berlucchi range.
When should I drink Cuvée Imperiale?
Drink within 0 to 3 years of disgorgement. Built for everyday aperitivo freshness; cellaring beyond three years offers no benefit.