Discover Cotarella’s Still Chardonnay & Pinot Noir from Franciacorta

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Discover the rise of still wines at Muratori Franciacorta with Setticlavio Chardonnay and Mantorosso Pinot Noir, showcasing innovation and quality.

The Rise of Still Wines: A New Era for Muratori Franciacorta

In the world of wine, innovation often leads to exciting discoveries. Recently, Riccardo Cotarella introduced two still wines from Muratori Franciacorta. These wines, Muratori Setticlavio and Muratori Mantorosso, are crafted from the same grape clones used for sparkling wines. This initiative aims to explore the potential of still wines in a region primarily known for its sparkling varieties.

The Muratori Setticlavio Chardonnay and the Muratori Mantorosso Pinot Noir are part of a limited production. Each wine is priced at €45-50 and €70-75, respectively. The limited availability adds to their allure, with only 2,065 bottles of the Chardonnay and 2,927 of the Pinot Noir produced. This exclusivity reflects a commitment to quality and experimentation in winemaking.

Moreover, the project is not merely about reviving a forgotten geographical indication. Instead, it represents a significant step towards exploring new forms of continuity in winemaking. The Muratori family aims to honor their grandfather’s dream of producing still wines, a vision that has finally come to fruition.

Experimentation in Winemaking: The Muratori Approach

Muratori Franciacorta is embracing experimentation with its new still wines. The recent planting of a Chardonnay vineyard using a Burgundy clone is a notable development. This vineyard will produce grapes specifically for still wine, diverging from the traditional Franciacorta Chardonnay.

In contrast, the Pinot Noir will continue to be sourced from existing vines. These vines are part of the estate’s "colluvi gradonati" unit, characterized by clay-rich soils. The decision to maintain the current Pinot Noir production reflects a desire to preserve the wine’s unique characteristics.

The Muratori family manages 52 hectares of vineyards, producing around 500,000 bottles annually. This includes a significant portion of Brut sparkling wines. The introduction of still wines marks a pivotal moment in the winery’s history, showcasing their dedication to innovation and quality.

Tasting Notes: A Journey Through Flavor

The Muratori Setticlavio Chardonnay 2023 has received high praise, scoring 92/100. Its golden hue and aromatic profile are captivating. The wine features yellow stone fruit and citrus notes, complemented by hints of vanilla and spices.

On the palate, the Chardonnay offers a delightful balance of fruit and acidity. The finish is dry and persistent, inviting another sip. This wine exemplifies technical precision, highlighting the Chardonnay grape’s potential.

Conversely, the Muratori Mantorosso Pinot Noir 2022 scored 89/100. Its vibrant ruby color is visually appealing. The nose reveals a bouquet of red fruits, with a touch of spice that intensifies as the wine warms.

The palate showcases ripe fruit flavors, finishing with a hint of honeyed notes. Cotarella believes this Pinot Noir has enormous potential for evolution. Both wines reflect the essence of Franciacorta, promising an exciting future for still wines in the region.

Photo by Mockaroon on Unsplash

Source: WineMag – Wine – Cotarella “ferma” la Franciacorta: ecco Chardonnay e Pinot Nero senza bollicine