Thanks to the generous nature of the Chardonnay grape, the 2011 Franciacorta Brut Millesimato Blanc de Blancs offers a superior level of creaminess and opulence. The bouquet exhibits apricot, candied orange peel and baked bread. The wine shows signs of delicate evolution with white licorice and spice. The perlage is creamy and soft but feathery light at the same time. The best part is the considerable length of the mouthfeel. This sparkler sees 48 months of sur lies aging.

A pure expression of Chardonnay, the 2009 Franciacorta Brut Millesimato Blanc de Blancs shows soft lines and an opulent style (thanks to 42 months of sur lies aging). You get a pretty dose of varietal pureness here. The fullness and the natural generosity of the wine is irresistible and it offers lingering flavors of exotic fruit, pineapple, toasted almond and dried apricot. There is a touch of spice on the close and soft fruit sweetness that adds to the rich texture.

The delicious 2007 Franciacorta Brut Millesimato Blanc de Blancs shows a zesty, but opulent side to Chardonnay. This generous sparkler delivers impressive intensity with round tones of stone fruit and ripe melon that roll together as one. The perlage is thick and creamy and the wine feels polished and dense in the mouth. Pretty accents of vanilla spice appear in the final act. Drink: 2014-2018. Importer: Lyra Wine; www.lyrawine.com

Here’s a sophisticated yet understated sparkler with elegant tones of peach, honey and sourdough. The perlage is tonic and firm and the wine is soft in consistency yet zesty on the finish.——M.L.(12/15/2009)—— 91