#20 on PRIMA's Top 25 Wines of 2025

Very highly recommended, by every one of us at PRIMA!

The Franciacorta appellation couldn’t be any more picturesque; it’s right on Lake Iseo with mountains all around, plus the snow-capped Alps towering in the background. Some of Italy’s finest sparkling wines are produced here, but only about 15% of them ever leave the country.

Tucked into the side of a forested mountain in the Monticelli Brusati section of northern Franciacorta, Antica Fratta was originally an old monastery that was transformed into a country villa in the 1850s. The owner, a knight and local wine merchant, dug wine caves right into the hill behind the villa. After his passing, the property and caves fell into disrepair. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that it was renovated to become the Antica Fratta winery we know today. The caves, unusual for this region, provide additional space to age sparkling wines on their lees for longer than the appellation requires, and the bubbles are only released when the winemaker feels they are ready. It’s all about patience. At Fratta, they produce several styles of Franciacorta, but what all the wines have in common is lovely concentration and amazing elegance. They are also marvelous showcases of their unique terroir.

The 2019 Antica Fratta Franciacorta DOCG Essence Rosé is a blend of 50% Chardonnay and 50% Pinot Nero, aged on the lees for 36 months and in bottle for another six months prior to release. Unlike Champagne which allows a percentage of still Pinot Noir to be added for color and complexity, Franciacorta Rosé must be made with sparkling wine only. Its depth and complexity comes from a slightly warmer climate that allows the grapes to ripen more fully while still maintaining great acidity, and some skin contact with the Pinot Nero prior to fermentation.

This is a delicate but very complex wine with berry and citrus fruits, toasty brioche and a creamy, persistent mousse. This gorgeous rosé drinks wonderfully as an aperitivo or to celebrate, say, the arrival of a Thursday. With food, though, this will truly come alive. We were thinking a duck breast with a bit of a cherry gastrique or the classic Risotto alla Milanese—or, what a perfect wine for your upcoming holiday menus!