THE ALBERETA RELAIS & CHATEAUX 5*

Erbusco, ITALY

Hotel website

The Albereta Hotel stands in the ancient vineyards and rolling hills of Italy’s Franciacorta region. Since mediaeval times, the area has cultivated vineyards, olive groves, and vegetable gardens, many of which supplied the region’s Renaissance princes and merchants.

Franciacorta’s sparkling wines are among the few to be awarded Italy’s prestigious DOCG status for quality and geographic authenticity. The area’s fermentation method was also recognized for its quality in 2003 by the European Community. The owners’ winery, Bellavista, whose cellars are a stone’s throw from guests’ rooms, upholds and promotes this fine tradition. The emphasis is on quality and organic production.

 

It uses time-honored cultivation methods that rely only on the natural cycle of Franciacorta’s seasons. Carefully placed vines, manual harvesting, and hand selection—vine by vine—are among the authentic techniques that make Bellavista’s wines unique. Secondary fermentation uses the traditional method over at least two years—with bottles turned by only hand.