The brothers Antinori were pioneers in the production of sparkling wine with 2nd maturation in the bottle in the early 1900s. Giacomo Puccini was a fan and the wine was served at royal banquets at the time. He temporarily disappeared from the radar, but with the arrival of Franciacorta as an official appellation, Cuvee Royale has become an integral part of the family's beautiful portfolio. Franciacorta is the region in Italy where the similarities in terroir are very similar to those of Champagne and also the grapes used are similar to those of a Chmpagne. This Marchese Antinori Cuvee Royale, too, is produced from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc grapes and comes from the Montenisa estate around the hamlet of Calino, near Lake Iseo in the heart of the Franciacorta appellation. The must was fermented in stainless steel tanks. The second fermentation took place in the bottle and the wine remained on its lees for 36 months before disgorgement.
