Vineyards Magazine

At Mosnel, time dictates the rhythm, guiding every stage of the process, both in the vineyard and in the cellar. Each action is carried out without haste, driven by the desire to fully express the potential of each vineyard and to craft wines that stand out for their character, personality, and elegance.

Six years after the harvest, and following more than 48 months of ageing on the lees with refermentation in the bottle, two of the estate’s most emblematic labels now reveal their full potential: Franciacorta EBB Extra Brut and Franciacorta Parosé Pas Dosé.

These iconic metodo classico sparkling wines epitomize the Mosnel style: a synthesis of patience, expertise, and an unwavering pursuit of excellence.

The two wines are the product of a non-linear vintage. A rainy, cool spring gave way to a hot, dry summer, leading to water stress, slower ripening, and a delayed harvest. The 2019 harvest began in the third week of August, later than usual, and continued for fifteen days, yielding healthy grapes with fine structure and a remarkable aromatic profile.

The Franciacorta EBB 2019 displays exceptional elegance and precision, with subtle yet persistent concentration and pronounced verticality. Produced exclusively from Chardonnay, only the finest clusters are selected. Primary fermentation takes place in small oak barrels, followed by blending and bottling with liqueur de tirage after five months, marking the beginning of the long secondary fermentation that culminates in disgorgement and an Extra Brut dosage.

The Franciacorta Parosé 2019, crafted from Pinot Nero and Chardonnay, undergoes a similar vinification process, with the sole distinction of being Pas Dosé at disgorgement. Its luminous pink hue derives from a brief maceration on the Pinot Nero skins. The wine is defined by balance and precision, with a delicate saline note that enhances both its persistence and complexity.

The 44th cuvée embodying stylistic consistency,vision and a deep connection with the land

In Franciacorta, there is plenty of wine to talk about and many other bottlings that, year after year, tell their own story due to their consistent style, longevity and unmistakable character. This is certainly the case for Franciacorta Brut Mosnel, the family’s first Franciacorta, dating back to 1979 and since then the messenger of a long story of elegance and a deep connection with the land.

Franciacorta Brut Mosnel embodies the philosophy of the Barzanò family and a winery that produces Franciacorta through dedication, proportion and a real agricultural spirit. “We have always worked to communicate our connection with the land through the quality and enjoyment in the wine,” explains Giulio Barzanò, who leads the family-run business with his sister, Lucia.

Mosnel, a long-established winery in the appellation, was one of the first to believe in organic grape growing and preserving local identity. The winery consists of 42 hectares under vine and, although Chardonnay remains the main varietal, Pinot Bianco has always been a trademark of the house style.

This 44th edition is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco (naturally), Pinot Nero and, for the first time, a touch of Erbamat, a native grape from the Brescia area that was recently reintroduced into the production regulations and that grows in a hectare of vineyards. “Including Erbamat in the cuvée of our Brut goes far beyond experimentation,” continues Giulio Barzano. “This grape is known for its standout acidity and neutral aromas. It brings a natural freshness to the base, reinforces the local identity of Franciacorta and helps to combat the effects of climate change.”

Approximately 30% of the base wine ferments and ages in barriques and spends 30 months on the lees, considerably longer than the 18 months required by the production regulations. This duration enables the wine to acquire complexity and depth, while keeping its energy intact. “The outcome is a very precise and fine Franciacorta, in which the elderflower and hawthorn nuances blend with citrus, white and yellow fruit, herbs and almonds. The perlage is subtle and velvety, while the wine is balanced and refreshing to taste, in addition to having a taut and enduring finish. This is a wine that isn’t searching for the spotlight. Instead its true nature is revealed naturally, like everything with authentic roots.”

Accompanying this story in a bottle, throughout the spring and summer, Mosnel continues to extend a warm welcome to the winery with an events lineup featuring wine, the local area and social moments through vertical tastings, vineyard walks and picnics, as well as new seasonal formats aimed at offering a true immersive experience that respects the rhythm of nature. 

All experiences are booked in advance. The full programme is available at https://visit.mosnel.com