The Magic of Mirabella Sparkling Wines

Several months ago I journeyed to Franciacorta, located in the Lombardy region of northeastern Italy.  My stay was brief, but the sparkling wines produced there left quite an impression on my palate.

Overlooking Lake Iseo Photo credit: Penny Weiss

Upon my return home, I received an invitation to attend a sparkling wine tasting and luncheon in NYC featuring the wines of Mirabella, an established winery in Franciacorta. A small group of us gathered in a private room at the Palma restaurant that was adorned with flowers and a dash of spring! It was festive and a perfect setting to enjoy sparkling wines.

For those of you who may have missed my story about Franciacorta, here is a recap.

Franciacorta is a small wine-producing area located in the captivating Brescia province in the heart of the Lombardy region of northern Italy. It is a picturesque wine region surrounded by the foothills of the Alps to the east, the Oglio River to the west, the shores of Lake Iseo to the north and Po Valley to the south.  It is an ideal setting for sparkling wine production.

Due to the morainic origin of this area (rocks and sediments that were carried down by the retreating glaciers), the well-draining alluvial soil is rich in minerals.   

The climate in Franciacorta is considered warm continental, which is influenced by the Alps. The area also benefits from its close proximity to Lake Iseo, which helps to moderate temperatures and plays an important role in both summer and winter seasons. A beautiful dance takes place between the cool air that descends from the Alps and is then captured by Lake Iseo allowing just the right amount of warmth to spread over the vineyards for the grapes to ripen and reach proper sugar levels.  The dance continues at night when the cool air from the higher elevations of the Alps swoops down to bring fresh air and cool the vineyards from the heat of the day.  The diurnal temperatures contribute to optimal grape ripening and preserving acidity in the grapes.

Although still wine and sparkling wine have been made in this area for centuries, it is Franco Ziliani, a young winemaker working for Guido Berlucchi who is credited for his approach to making the highest quality metodo classico wine with his first vintage in 1961 bearing the name ‘Franciacorta’ on the label. This set in motion the drive for other winemakers to also make the best sparkling wine with the aim for “high quality, not quantity”.  In 1967, DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) was formed with 11 producers.  In 1990, Franciacorta was given official status and the Consortium Franciacorta was founded.  As stated by the Consorzio Franciacorta, ”The name on the label – Franciacorta- is a single word that defines the land, the production method and the wine”.  In 1995, Franciacorta obtained DOCG status, the highest standard of quality for Italian wine.  Today, the Consorzio represents 97% of the producers in Franciacorta.
 
The Franciacorta DOCG sparkling wines are produced exclusively using the traditional “Metodo Classico” method where the second fermentation takes place in the bottle.   Only Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) and Pinot Blanc are allowed in the blend.  The regulations are very strict.  The harvest must be done by hand and the requirements for aging on the lees are as follows: 
 
Franciacorta Non-Vintage is 18 months
Franciacorta Satèn and Rosé Non-Vintage is 24 months
Franciacorta Vintage is 30 months
Franciacorta Riserva is 60 months

Now that you are all caught up on Franciacorta, let’s explore Mirabella.
 
Mirabella is a family-run winery that was founded in 1979 by Teresio Schiavo and the late Giacomo Cavalli.  The estate derives its name from Mirabella hill, where the oldest vineyard was planted.  Today, Teresio’s sons Alessandro and Alberto run the business along with their father and all three are oenologists!  Alessandro is Cellar Master and works alongside his father Teresio producing wines and Alberto is the Marketing, Sales and Commercial Direction Manager.  Teresio said, “Because Alessandro took over the oenological aspects and is progressing with skill and above all, great enthusiasm, I willingly put my faith in him, leaving me with fewer commitments and responsibilities.  My son, Alberto, is a much better public speaker than me and is well suited to his tasks of marketing and director manager.”

Alessandro, Teresio and Alberto Schiavo Photo courtesy of Mirabella

Mirabella is comprised of 13 vineyards spread over 56 hectares which are all organically farmed.  The winery is among the first to adopt a sustainable approach in the vineyards as well as in the cellar.  Due to the cellar’s underground location, it is surrounded by natural thermal insulation that maintains the correct temperature and humidity inside.  Thick concrete tanks keep wine at naturally low temperatures without the need for external cooling devices, thus using less energy.  Since 2012, Mirabella has been using 100% renewable energy.  In addition, Mirabella has been working on lowering the amount of sulphites for all their wines.  In 2013 they released their first no-sulphite wine, Elite, Franciacorta DOCG Extra Brut.  There are zero sulphites and zero allergens such as milk and egg used for the fining process.  This is an ongoing project that is taking Franciacorta to the next level.

Mirabella Vineyard Photo courtesy of Mirabella

Mirabella produces eight wines of which I had the pleasure of tasting five at the luncheon.

Photo credit: Penny Weiss

Photo credit: Penny Weiss

Pinot Bianco Brut Nature is made with 100% Pinot Bianco.  The use of this grape is rare in Franciacorta and is one of Mirabella’s distinctive wines.  Mirabella is the only winery in Franciacorta to have the highest amount of plantings. They have invested much time over the past 40 years cultivating this terroir-driven grape, which is delicate and requires a lot of attention.  Because these grapes are early and fast to ripen, Pinot Bianco is the first grape to be harvested.  The first fermentation takes place in concrete vats and the second fermentation for 24 months in the bottle and then three additional months after disgorgement.

Photo credit: Penny Weiss

This is a lovely sparkling wine with a bouquet of floral, yeast and light fruit.  The palate offers creamy, persistent bubbles with pear, apple and a hint of herbs. It is well integrated with freshness and acidity.
 
Satèn Franciacorta DOCG is made with 100% Chardonnay harvested from 18 year-old-vines. With the first fermentation, 10% of the basic wine is placed in barriques.  Second fermentation is over 36 months in the bottle and three additional months after disgorgement.  Aromas of white flowers and stone fruit lead to a palate of fresh acidity, pear, a touch of lemon zest, vanilla, honey and a deliciously creamy mouthfeel and fine bubbles.
 
Edea Brut Blanc de Blanc DOCG is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Bianco The first fermentation takes place in cement vats and the second fermentation is minimum 24 months in the bottle with three more months after disgorgement.  Lovely aromas of stone fruit, floral and citrus lead to a palate of fresh acidity that is well integrated with apples, pear, baked bread, persistent bubbles and a rich mouthfeel.
This is a light wine with pleasing complexity.

Edea Brut Blanc de Blanc DOCG is a blend of 80% Chardonnay and 20% Pinot Bianco The first fermentation takes place in cement vats and the second fermentation is minimum 24 months in the bottle with three more months after disgorgement.  Lovely aromas of stone fruit, floral and citrus lead to a palate of fresh acidity that is well integrated with apples, pear, baked bread, persistent bubbles and a rich mouthfeel.
This is a light wine with pleasing complexity.
 
Rosé Franciacorta DOCG is a blend of 45% Pinot Noir, 45% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Bianco.  The estate began producing rosé back in 1982, making it one of the first wineries in Franciacorta to do so from the above blend.  Today, rosé represents one-quarter of Mirabella’s business.  The grapes are picked at different times and aged in the bottle a minimum of 36 months up to 48 months.   Mouthwatering aromas of red fruit, floral, candied apple and toast spill onto the palate with berries and a creamy mouthfeel.  This is a wine that keeps going and going!  Yummy!
 
Dom Rosé Riserva Dosaggio Zero Riserva Vintage 2009 This is a beautiful blend of 60% Pinot Nero, 25% Pinot Bianco and 15% Chardonnay grapes harvested from the oldest Mirabella vineyard.  The first fermentation takes place in cement vats, with only the Chardonnay fermenting in French oak barriques with five months of batonnage. The second fermentation is at least 100 months in the bottle with no less than six months more after disgorgement.  These Riserva wines are only available in limited amounts of 1500 bottles.

Photo credit: Penny Weiss

The complexity of this wine is apparent both on the nose and palate with intense aromas of spice, red fruit and brioche.  The palate is a dance of berries, with strawberry dominating.  Hints of pepper mingle with pomegranate, citrus, spice and an undertone of minerality accompanied by fine bubbles and a silky mouthfeel. 
 
Mirabella represents tradition combined with innovation, respect for the land and for man, consistent quality and sustainability, and wines that maintain the expression of the land.
 
Until next time…Stay Safe, Stay Home and Be Well!
 
Cheers!
Penina
 
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