The Ricci Curbastro 2018 Franciacorta Satèn Brut (100% Chardonnay) has a soft, spicy side with toasted nut and sweet almond. It ferments in oak and ages sur lie for 40 months. It shows volume and texture with fleshy fruit and melon. This bigger style (with medium acidity) has hints of green pepper to keep it direct and focused. Some 4,000 bottles were made. The wine is Rubenesque for sure.

The Franciacorta appellation is responsible for some seriously delicious Satèn-styled sparkling wines based on the Chardonnay grape. Ricci Curbastro's 2014 Franciacorta Satèn Brut is one such example. This lean to medium-bodied sparkler boasts a shiny, gleaming appearance followed by enticing aromas of stone fruit, dried tangerine and fresh brioche. The beading is a bit thicker and larger in this softly textured wine. Some 30,000 bottles were made.

Opening to soft and luscious appeal, the 2012 Franciacorta Satèn Brut (100% Chardonnay) caresses the palate with soft perlage and creamy texture. The bouquet first offers white peach and passion fruit, but it then moves forward to include anise seed, dried herb and white licorice root. The mouthfeel is subdued, but this elegant sparkler leaves its mark nonetheless. It is partially aged in oak for eight months.

Disgorged in July 2013, the 2009 Franciacorta Saten Brut shows a light and mildly fragrant style with a luminous, crystalline appearance and persistent perlage. Yeasty notes wrap around the finish but you’ll also get pretty tones of stone fruit, spice and crushed flower. Bright acidity pins down the finish. Drink: 2014-2017. This historic estate suffered a huge loss this past August with the death of founder Gualberto Ricci Curbastro. He was among that tight group of visionaries who created Franciacorta. Today, his son Riccardo has embarked on many new projects to fulfill his father’s legacy. Among them is a special experimental vineyard dedicated to children in the local school system curious to learn more about the growing and production of wine grapes. Importer: Domenico Valentino Selections; www.domenicovalentino.com