Ca' del Bosco : Dosage Zero 2020

An Exceptional Franciacorta by Ca' del Bosco

The Estate
Founded in 1964 by Albano Zanella and Annamaria Clementi in the Erbusco area of Lombardy, Ca' del Bosco has established itself as a pioneer of the Franciacorta appellation. Under the leadership of Maurizio Zanella, the estate practices high-density viticulture with 10,000 vines per hectare and vinifies in underground facilities located 17 meters below ground. Renowned for its sparkling wines benefiting from extended lees aging that surpasses Champagne standards, Ca' del Bosco remains the only estate in the world to be recognized simultaneously in three categories: sparkling, white, and red wines.

The Vineyard
This Dosage Zero comes from 49 plots spread across the communes of Erbusco, Adro, Cazzago San Martino, Corte Franca, and Passirano. The chardonnay vines, averaging 26 years old, grow alongside pinot blanc parcels of 31 years and pinot noir parcels of 25 years. These Franciacorta wines are certified organic, reflecting the estate’s commitment to environmental responsibility in crafting its exceptional cuvées.

The Vintage
The year 2020 began with early budbreak between March 20 and 25, followed by flowering that was a week ahead of schedule. Spring was marked by significant rainfall and storms accompanied by a drop in temperatures. The sunny summer kept temperatures below 30°C until July 20, before a warmer spell reaching 33-34°C. Harvest took place from August 14 to September 3, resulting in a vintage particularly favorable for white wines, with an elegant profile featuring floral and citrus notes.

Winemaking and Aging
The grapes, harvested by hand in small crates, undergo a rigorous sorting before being cooled. Each bunch is individually washed and dried using a process unique to the estate. The musts ferment in small oak barrels for 5 months before blending. The 49 different base wines are then blended, followed by 48 months of aging on the lees. No sulfites are added at disgorgement, preserving aromatic purity.

Blend
This Dosage Zero 2020 from Ca' del Bosco is the result of a blend of chardonnay (80%), pinot noir (16%), and pinot blanc (4%).