In a glamorous premiere paired with the highly anticipated opening of Langosteria Montenapoleone—the new fine dining hotspot under the shadow of the Madonnina inside the exclusive Palazzo Fendi—Berlucchi revealed the new vintage of Riserva Franco Ziliani 2011, a Franciacorta that is more than just wine: it is a manifesto of a philosophy—Art is timeless. With this new release, the most exclusive Metodo Classico from the Maison in Borgonato di Corte Franca officially enters the permanent collection, transforming a tribute into a living legacy.
Created with the 2008 harvest to celebrate the 90th birthday of Franco Ziliani, father of modern Franciacorta, Riserva Franco Ziliani 2011 marks a shift in perspective: from extraordinary edition to a permanent icon in the Berlucchi range.
“Riserva Franco Ziliani was born as a tribute to our father, the visionary entrepreneur who, with determination and courage, turned a dream into a denomination recognized worldwide,” explained Paolo Ziliani, President of Berlucchi. “When we taste Riserva Franco Ziliani, we rediscover his way of speaking: direct, profound, and rigorous.”
The Elegance of Chardonnay and the Value of Time
Riserva Franco Ziliani is a pure Chardonnay, sourced from the finest parcels of the Arzelle vineyard, planted at very high density on morainic soil. The production philosophy is radically artisanal: extremely low yields, fermentation in steel with small batches aged in barrique for six months, over 10 years of lees aging, and zero dosage to express authenticity and purity. Production is limited to fewer than 5,000 bottles, each adorned with a brass label-sculpture, making every piece a true collectible work of art.
“Chardonnay has always been our father’s favorite grape, which is why we wanted to dedicate this pure Chardonnay Riserva to him,” emphasizes Arturo Ziliani, CEO of Berlucchi. “Pairing Riserva Franco Ziliani with our other great Riserva, Palazzo Lana Extrême, seemed the most natural way to celebrate the wealth of knowledge gained over more than sixty years of experience.”
Face to Face with Riserva Franco Ziliani 2011
From the very first glance, Riserva Franco Ziliani 2011 captivates with its intense golden reflections. On the nose, it releases broad sensations of yellow-fleshed fruits, acacia, and candied citron. On the palate, structure and richness blend with freshness and sapidity, delivering persistence and extraordinary longevity. It is an ideal Millesimato for the entire meal, perfect with substantial appetizers, fish, white meats, and medium-aged cheeses.
“Riserva Franco Ziliani embodies our manifesto: the value of time, care, and precision,” concludes Cristina Ziliani, Vice President of Berlucchi. “It reflects the concept of Art is Timeless, a universal language that needs no translation, transcending barriers and differences—like art that unites cultures and generations in a shared experience.”
Berlucchi: The History of Franciacorta
Founded in 1955 through the meeting of Guido Berlucchi and Franco Ziliani, Berlucchi produced the first 3,000 bottles of Franciacorta Metodo Classico in 1961. Today, led by siblings Arturo, Cristina, and Paolo, the winery in Borgonato di Corte Franca is synonymous with Italian winemaking excellence and sustainable innovation. In 2024, it earned recognition as a “Historic Brand of National Interest,” reaffirming its role as a benchmark in the wine industry.
