Located in Monticelli Brusati in the heart of Franciacorta, Lo Sparviere is a historic winery set within a 16th‑century country estate. Surrounded by gentle morainic hills shaped by ancient glaciers, the estate cultivates Chardonnay and Pinot Noir under certified organic practices. Led by Mrs. Monique Poncelet Gussalli Beretta, the winery blends heritage, elegance and deep respect for the land in crafting its refined Franciacorta wines.

The name Franciacorta refers to a landscape of gentle morainic hills surrounding Lake Iseo, shaped during the Earth’s glaciation by the great Valcamonica glacier. This historically rich and geologically diverse area enjoys an insubric mesoclimate typical of lake regions. Its vineyards, trained in low Guyot and spurred cordon systems at 4000–5000 vines/ha, grow Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero for Franciacorta DOCG. Recognised as DOC in 1967 and DOCG in 1995, Franciacorta follows a strict production code: hand harvesting, pressing within 12 hours, low yields and bottle refermentation using the classic method. Ageing on the lees ranges from 18 to 60 months, followed by remuage, disgorgement and further bottle maturation before the wine is ready to be enjoyed.

Winemaking

HARVEST: Manual harvest in small crates with grape selection directly in the vineyard. HARVEST PERIOD: From the third decade of August. VINIFICATION: Chardonnay grapes are placed immediately after picking into a cooling chamber at 4°C for 24–36 hours, reaching 10°C. This enhances the extraction of varietal aromas. The chilled whole clusters undergo gentle pressing; 80% of the free‑run juice ferments in stainless‑steel tanks at 15–17°C, while the remaining 20% ferments in 5 hl tonneaux, where malolactic fermentation also takes place. The wines rest on first‑fermentation lees until assemblage. BOTTLE AGING ON LEES: 24 months.

Tasting notes

PERLAGE: Fine and persistent. APPEARANCE: Straw yellow. NOSE: Floral elegance meets the softness of leavened pastry notes. PALATE: Creamy, full and enveloping texture.

Food pairings

An excellent aperitif thanks to its silky, smooth profile. Best enjoyed with delicate dishes such as seafood risotto or battered zucchini blossoms. Its creamy, gentle bubbles cleanse the palate with finesse, pairing divinely with raw fish, white meats and fresh cheeses.

SERVING TEMPERATURE: 8°C.