Barone Pizzini 'Animante' Franciacorta Brut NV

#9 in Our Top 10 Wines of 2025!

Lively aromas of lemon zest, white peach, green apple, and acacia blossom unfold with layers of toasted almond and brioche. On the palate, Animante is crisp yet creamy, showing impeccable balance between ripe orchard fruit, chalky minerality, and subtle pastry richness. The finish is long, vibrant, and refreshingly dry — a pure expression of organic Franciacorta.

Quick Facts

• Region: Franciacorta DOCG, Lombardy, Italy
• Varieties: 78% Chardonnay, 18% Pinot Nero, 4% Pinot Bianco
• Base Vintage: Multi-vintage (predominantly 2020)
• Farming: Certified Organic since 2001
• Winemaker: Silvano Brescianini
• Aging: 24–30 months on lees
• Dosage: 6 g/L (Brut)
• ABV: 12.5%
• Production: Estate-grown and hand-harvested

Tasting Profile

• Aromas: Lemon zest, pear, green apple, and brioche
• Palate: Crisp, balanced, and textural with orchard fruit, chalk, and almond
• Finish: Elegant, persistent mousse with a mineral-driven finale

Why We Love It at Petit Philippe

Animante is the cornerstone of Barone Pizzini’s organic revolution — proof that sustainability and luxury can coexist in the glass. Its energy, texture, and finesse rival the world’s best sparkling wines, offering Champagne-level craftsmanship at a remarkable value. This is our go-to for effortless sophistication, from aperitif hour to elegant dinners.

Winemaking

Barone Pizzini was the first winery in Franciacorta to convert fully to organic farming, pioneering a new era of purity and terroir expression.

• Fermentation & Aging: Base wines ferment in stainless steel with partial malolactic conversion for balance, followed by second fermentation in bottle and 24–30 months of lees aging.

• Dosage & Style: Modest 6 g/L dosage preserves natural freshness and tension.

• Blend & Character: Chardonnay lends brightness, Pinot Nero adds body, and Pinot Bianco contributes floral lift.

Aging Potential: Enjoy now or through 2030 for increasing creaminess and complexity.

Vintage Notes: The blend draws from multiple years to ensure consistency, with the core vintage (2020) delivering ripe fruit and vivid acidity.

Serving & Pairing

Serve well-chilled at 45–48°F. A versatile sparkling wine that shines with oysters, sushi, smoked salmon, or soft cheeses. Its lively acidity and subtle richness also make it a perfect match for fried dishes, vegetable tempura, or creamy pastas.

Drinking Window

Best from 2024 to 2030. Fresh and expressive today, but gains roundness and savory complexity over time.

Estate Overview

Founded in 1870, Barone Pizzini is one of Franciacorta’s oldest and most innovative estates — and the first to commit entirely to organic viticulture. Located in the heart of Lombardy’s cool hills, the winery emphasizes biodiversity and minimal intervention. Under the direction of winemaker Silvano Brescianini, each cuvée reflects clarity, balance, and respect for terroir. Animante (“animated” or “lively” in Italian) embodies this spirit perfectly — vibrant, expressive, and joyfully elegant.