Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée Imperiale Max Rosé DOCG Brut

The Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée Imperiale Max Rosé DOCG Brut tastes dry, creamy, and fruity, with vibrant acidity and a finish of red fruits. The cuvée is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Nero and comes from Franciacorta in Lombardy.

On the nose, it reveals fruit cake, candied apricot, and ripe berries. These are accompanied by floral and slightly spicy accents. The aroma feels warm and ripe, not lean or austere.

On the palate, the acidity is at the forefront, keeping the wine fresh. The texture is creamy, the perlage fine. The Berlucchi Max Rosé is produced using the traditional bottle fermentation method (Metodo Classico) and matures for a long time on the lees. This gives it fullness without making it heavy. The alcohol content is 12.5% vol.

The Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée Imperiale Max Rosé DOCG Brut pairs well as an aperitif and with seafood. Its acidity cuts through fat and butter, and the fruit also complements dishes with a touch of sweetness.

Oysters, salmon carpaccio, and shrimp with lemon butter work particularly well. Antipasti and mild goat cheese are also good accompaniments. The red fruits in the finish pick up the flavors of fish and cream cheese.

Serve the sparkling wine at 7 to 9 °C. Cool, but not ice-cold, the fruit cake and apricot notes unfold best. The bottle is sealed with a cork. It is suitable for a garden reception, summer evenings on the terrace, and a festive menu that begins with seafood.

If you like the Berlucchi Max Rosé, these three sparkling rosés from Italy are worth a look.

• Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée 61 Rosé DOCG Brut also comes from Berlucchi in Franciacorta. It is made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir and is dry.
• Rosé Cuvée dei Frati Metodo Classico Brut DOC from Cà dei Frati comes from Lombardy. It is a Brut made from Sangiovese, Marzemino, Barbera, and Groppello.
• Cuvee San Rocco Extra Brut Rosé Nebbiolo d'Alba Spumante DOC from Tenuta Carretta comes from Piedmont. It is an Extra Brut made from Nebbiolo.