From a hot and dry vintage, the 2012 Franciacorta Pas Operé Extra Brut is a blend of two-thirds Chardonnay and one-third Pinot Nero. Fruit is rigorously selected only from vines aged 30 years old or more, planted with southeast-facing exposures. Because of the vintage conditions, I pick up on thick, full-bodied aromas of ripe peach, poached pear and honey. There is a sweet floral component to the sparkling wine that reminds me of almond blossom or honeysuckle. This wine comes close to feeling heavy and sticky, but ultimately its natural acidity kicks in to better balance the overall mouthfeel. Some 16,000 bottles were made.