2018 Wine of the Sea (Franciacorta D.O.C.G.) FRANCIACORTA Castelnovo Giancarlo Italy (6-bottle case)

Winery Notes

"Submerging wines underwater for several months gave way to experimentation that brought Marko to ”Wine of the Sea”. A form of ”ageing” wines under the sea proved to be something that changed the wines. Very soon did he and the winemakers whose wines he sunk realize that the structure of the wine had changed, bringing them a wine that differs greatly from the same one resting in the cellars on land."

"Wines selected for submersion are among the world’s finest even before entering the Adriatic, but not every fine wine is made to be submerged. Each wine selected fits a specific set of characteristics that make it a qualified candidate for this aging process.

Each bottle is equipped with a special composite cork and sealed with two layers of wax ensuring that the bottles allow nothing to enter them while submerged."

"The bottles are placed 100-feet below the water’s surface. The conditions at these depths make nature’s greatest wine cellar.

• Temperatures are consistently cool
• Zero light from the sun is able to reach the bottles
• Aging is intensified and accelerated under tremendous pressure
• Waves keep the bottles in motion, forcing molecular breakdown for a constant smoothing of the wine

"Each bottle spends a minimum of one year under water, depending on what variety of wine is submerged. Some bottles are left to age for as many as two years."

Sourced from 100% Chardonnay, this exquisite Franciacorta starts off with elegant flavors of cornbread, butter, and almonds. As it opens up, aromas of white flowers, peaches, and cheese emerge on the nose. The delicacy of the petillance combined with complex aromas and refreshing acidity result in an outstanding, long-lasting wine that never ceases to amaze. The citrus aromas intertwined with flavors of brioche, vanilla, and cumin and a delightful green apple, tart finish come together perfectly to justify Franciacorta’s worldwide recognition. Aging for up to 30 months on the lees give this wine a fine and persistent petillance that serves as a perfect aperitif."

About the Winery:
"Castelnovo winery is based between Passirano and Paderno Franciacorta, where Giancarlo Castelnovo works the 2ha of land since 2000. The limestone bedrock covered with calcareous gravel and sandy morainal soils make this an outstanding place to grow Chardonnay. Everything is done by hand; and small production enables complete control over the whole production
process in this artisanal winemaking."