Here's a delicious Chardonnay-based sparkling wine from Contadi Castaldi. The 2010 Franciacorta Brut Satèn opens to yeasty notes of baguette bread and toasted almond with pulpy yellow fruit and apricot at the back. This wine delivers a bold and opulent style with rich fruit and a creamy, foamy texture. The dense effervescence generously fills the palate and gives the wine a great sense of support and richness at the back. Winemaking is executed in stainless steel and oak.

The 2008 Franciacorta Brut Saten is a beautifully sophisticated and compelling sparkling Chardonnay with enriched aromas of toasted almond, melted butter, apricot and honey. The mouthfeel shows similar generosity with soft, velvety texture and broad, fulfilling length. The ripe fruit and this rich, opulent style would stand up to shellfish or smoked salmon canapes. Drink: 2014-2019. Contadi Castaldi is one of the area’s most consistent producers of modern Franciacorta. Vittorio and Mariella Moretti founded the estate in the 1980s on the site of an abandoned brick factory. In fact, the underground cellars where the wines are now held once housed kilns for firing clay. Importer: Terra Moretti Trading USA; www.tmtrading-usa.com

Dried herbs and banana, followed by crushed stone and spice, comprise a layered and striking bouquet. You’ll taste intense banana fruit in the mouth with tart acidity and pizzazz on the close. Imported by Blavod Extreme Spirits.——M.L.(6/1/2006)—— 91