W3 Wine School

Franciacorta Satèn (Italy)

Franciacorta Satèn is a special style of Italian sparkling wine made in the Franciacorta region of Lombardy.

It is known for being softer, creamier, and more elegant than other Franciacorta styles.

Satèn Flavors

Citrus and Green Fruit are typical Satèn flavors.

Lemon
Lemon
Lime
Lime
Pear
Pear
Peach
Peach

Fermentation flavors:

Butter
Butter
Bread
Yeast
Brioche
Brioche
Almonds
Almonds

Flavors from Maturation and Aging

Oak
Oak
Vanilla
Vanilla
Toast
Toast
Nuts
Nuts

Satèn Profile

Satèn is lighter and dryer than Champagne.

SUGAR:Dry (3 g/l)
BODY:Light
FRUIT:Low
ACIDITY:High
Temperature Serving temperature:
8-10°C (46-50°F)

Satèn Food Pairing

You can drink sparkling wines to almost everything whether it is French Champagne, Spanish Cava, or Italian Prosecco.

Sparkling Wines pair well with salt, because the bubbles break up the salt in the mouth.

Aperitif
Aperitif
Salads
Salads
Tapas
Tapas
French Fries
Fries
Crab
Seafood
Oysters
Oysters
Fish
Fish
Sushi
Sushi
Risotto
Risotto
Chicken
Chicken
Egg
Egg Dishes
Pasta
Pasta

Excellent Pairings

Green Salad. Fries.
Seafood. Oysters. Clams.
Fried Fish. Fried Chicken.
Egg Dishes. Pasta.
Sushi. Sashimi.


The Ideal Glass for Satèn

A Champagne Glass with a bell that points to the bottom, allows a pilar of bubbles to build up inside the glass. This is not only beautiful, but also extends the "life" of the champagne.

A wide middle section lifts the aromas out of the wine. A smaller opening concentrates the scent to the nose and directs the drink to the front of the tongue where it heightens an experience of sweetness.

Satèn is Unique?

Only White Grapes

Satèn must be made exclusively from Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco (no Pinot Noir).

Lower Pressure

The wine is produced with a maximum of 5 atmospheres of pressure (compared to 6 for classic sparkling styles).

This gives Satèn its signature silky, creamy, mousse-like texture.

The name "Satèn" comes from seta, meaning silk in Italian.

Blanc de Blancs Style

Because it uses only white grapes, it is similar to a Blanc de Blancs Champagne, but softer and rounder.

Aging

Like all Franciacorta, Satèn must age at least 24 months on the lees, adding depth, brioche notes, and fine bubbles.

Satèn Cheese Pairing

Brie and Camembert

The creamy, buttery texture and mild flavors of Brie or Camembert pair well with Satèn's soft bubbles and fruity notes. Serve the cheese at room temperature with slices of pear or apple.

Chèvre (Goat Cheese)

The tangy, fresh flavors of goat cheese complement the acidity often found in Satèn, especially those made from Chenin Blanc or Sauvignon Blanc. Drizzle with a bit of honey or sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Chaource

This creamy, slightly tangy cheese enhances Satèn's gentle acidity and complements its soft bubbles. Serve with fresh berries or a touch of apricot jam.

Langres

This mild, washed-rind cheese has a creamy texture and a subtle tang that pairs beautifully with Satèn. Add a small drop of honey or serve with fresh grapes.

Tomme de Savoie

This semi-hard, nutty cheese pairs beautifully with the gentle effervescence and often fruity character of Satèn. Add some dried fruits or nuts to highlight the pairing.

Franchacorta DOCG

Franciacorta is a DOCG since 1995. It was the first Italian area to obtain a DOCG for production of Metodo Classico wines:

The production method is the same as for French Champagne (Méthode Champenois).

The minimum ageing ranges from 18 months to several years for Riservas.

Franciacorta tastes like Champagne, but it is less expensive, and needs less "dosage" (added sugar for the second fermentation), because the warmer climate gives the grapes a higher sugar content.

Italian Sparkling

In Italy, Sparkling wines are called Frizzante or Spumante.

Frizzante
Light bubbles (2.5 - 3.5 bars of pressure)
Spumante
Fully sparkling (4 - 6 bars of pressure)
ProseccoProsecco Spumante
Moscato d'AstiAsti Spumante
Pignoletto FrizzantePignoletto Spumante
Lambrusco

Italian Metodo Classico DOC(G)

Metodo Classico is the Italian name for wines produced the same way as Champagne.

DOC(G)Grapes
Trentodoc DOC (1993) Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco
Franciacorta DOCG (1995) Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero.
Greco di Tufo DOCG (2003) Greco (main grape)
Oltrepò Pavese DOCG (2007) Pinot Nero (main grape)
Alta Langa DOCG (2011) Minimum 90 % Chardonnay + Pinot Nero

Trentodoc was the first area in the world (after Champagne) to get a DOC for Traditional Method wines.

Soil

Climate

Soil

Soil


Lombardia DOCG Regions:

  • Franciacorta DOCG
  • Moscato di Scanzo DOCG
  • Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG
  • Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG
  • Valtellina Superiore DOCG

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