If there is one style of sparkling wine capable of redefining the very concept of softness in the glass, it is undoubtedly Satèn, a unique Franciacorta speciality created to rival the elegance of the finest French Champagnes. We are in Adro, in the province of Brescia. Here, within a natural amphitheatre nestled between Lake Iseo and the glacial moraine hills, Corte Aura cultivates its vineyards on mineral-rich soils filled with pebbles, ideal for imparting natural savouriness to the grapes. To bear the name Satèn, Franciacorta regulations impose strict requirements. Only white grape varieties may be used, and the pressure inside the bottle must remain below 5 atmospheres, compared with the usual 6 atmospheres found in other Franciacorta wines. This technical detail translates into an exceptionally creamy and velvety mousse. This vintage-dated wine is made entirely from Chardonnay, which gives it innate elegance, remarkable aromatic finesse and the rich structure needed to support long ageing. The grapes are harvested by hand and placed in small crates to preserve their integrity until gentle pressing at the winery. The must ferments in stainless steel tanks and undergoes cold static clarification. After an initial eight-month period of ageing in stainless steel, the wine is bottled for its second fermentation. This is followed by approximately 36 months of ageing on the lees in the darkness of the cellar. The final dosage of 6.5 grams per litre is a carefully judged choice that perfectly balances freshness. In the glass it displays a bright straw-yellow colour with golden reflections and a fine, caressing mousse. On the nose, aromas of freshly baked bread crust, toasted hazelnut and dried flowers emerge. On the palate it is buttery and almost creamy, yet supported by a beautiful acidic backbone that keeps the wine lively and energetic. Tropical fruit nuances and delicate toasted notes are clearly evident. The finish is exceptionally long, clean and constantly evolving. At the table it is a true ace up the sleeve. For a local pairing, we recommend traditional Brescian casoncelli with butter and sage, where the wine’s creaminess beautifully complements the richness of the dish.