Donna Cora Satèn
The Wine
Created by the interaction between the experience of the Antinori family and the demonstrated high viticultural quality of a territory, Franciacorta, the ”Vintage Dated” - Marchese Antinori Conte Aimo, Contessa Maggi, and Donna Cora – are produced from selected Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco grapes and are made only in exceptional vintage.
The Wine
Created by the interaction between the experience of the Antinori family and the demonstrated high viticultural quality of a territory, Franciacorta, the ”Vintage Dated” - Marchese Antinori Conte Aimo, Contessa Maggi, and Donna Cora – are produced from selected Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco grapes and are made only in exceptional vintage.
Vinification
Weather patterns during the grape harvest required diligence both in the vineyards during harvesting operations and in the cellar when grapes were received. During alcoholic fermentation, which took place in temperature controlled stainless-steel vats, the must was refrigerated, and temperatures were closely monitored to preserve aromas and maintain the grape variety’s freshness. Once this first phase of fermentation was completed, a small percentage of the wine was transferred into barriques to enhance aromatic finesse and complexity; aging took place over a period of 6 months in second-fill French oak barrels. The wine in stainless steel vats benefitted from a long period of aging on the lees. Once barrel aging was complete, the different lots of Chardonnay were blended and then completed the aging process in stainless steel vats. Donna Cora was bottled in April 2022 and underwent alcoholic refermentation and continued to age on the lees for over 30 months. Dégorgement was performed and liqueur d’éxpedition was added to the Brut designation in January 2025. Total production of the 2021 vintage was 5,794 bottles and 300 Magnum.
Tasting Notes
Donna Cora is straw yellow in color. Its creamy mousse and delicate, persistent perlage define the finest qualities of Franciacorta Satèn. The nose presents elegant notes of white flower blossoms and pleasant hints of white pulp fruit. The palate reveals balance and complexity, the perfect expression of an extraordinary and elegant vintage.
Historical Data
The Montenisa estate is located around the hamlet of Calino, near Lake Iseo in the heart of the Franciacorta appellation. The vineyards surrounding the proprietary villa of the Maggi family have been the heart of the production of Marchese Antinori Franciacorta since 1999.
Tenuta Montenisa
The estate is located in the heart of the Franciacorta production zone around the centuries-old hamlet of Calino. The vine has always been cultivated in this area of important wines. Some in fact maintain that “Franciacorta” has its origin in the phrase “Petite France”, an affectionate name given to it by Charlemagne.
Antinori Estates
Estates in Italy
