How Franciacorta gave life to Satèn
There is a legend surrounding the birth of Satèn, dating back to the mid 80s which speaks of the desire to create a sweet, elegant sparkling wine which would go beyond the common prejudices associated with a “ feminine wine” (a simple expression used to define a wine of medium quality).
Therefore a search was started to find a new type of wine, high-quality but different in taste, with a harmonious personality. An attractive, fresh, crisp wine, with a complex and full-bodied structure, with a more persistent bead. An innovative production technique where the second fermentation phase, of the wine in the bottle, at a lower pressure than normal, results in an extremely fine froth, creating an elegant sparkling wine. Even today this can be experienced by drinking a glass of our Satèn Ricciolina Terre d’Aenòr.
At first, the chosen name was going to be “Crémant”, a name already used for sparkling wine with a more delicate and less persistent sparkle. However, in 1989, the european rules established the use of this name only for sparkling wines produced in France and Luxembourg. Therefore it was necessary to come up with a new name specific for this Franciacorta innovation.
The story and meaning behind the name Satèn
The name Satèn came about as a result of a problem, and as often happens when creativity is required to overcome an obstacle, the result is surprisingly good. In 1990 a group of Franciacorta wine cellars enlisted the help of the SGA agency, a company founded in Bergamo by Giacomo Bersanetti, Chiara Veronelli and Francesco Voltolina, well-renowned as communication experts within the world of wine. The very same agency that Terre d’Aenòr turned to for the creation and development of its own brand.
The task given to the agency was to find a suggestive, easily memorable name with a particularly pleasing sound. It was important to express simplicity, pleasant sensorial memories, purity and at the same time bring to mind the word “seta” (silk). The meaning of the name Satèn recalls the silkiness and softness of the finest fabrics. The smart Franciacorta intuition here works at a phonetic level. The name Satèn maintains the musical flow of the french word satin and is also pronounced the same. The search was for a universal name and in fact the name Satèn resembles the italian word “satinato” (which means smooth, soft and pleasing to the touch) or indeed “satinella”, a word frequently used in the 50s and 60s to indicate a light billowing fabric, similar to chiffon.
In 1995 the name Satèn was officially registered by the Consorzio Franciacorta, in order to protect this specific type of Franciacorta sparkling wine by ensuring rigid production regulations are followed.
Terre d’Aenòr Satèn Ricciolina – a new name for a new generation
Terre d’Aenòr takes its place amongst the best traditional Satèn wines, whilst at the same time introducing a new name to the top table – Ricciolina. In addition to creating a fabulous contrast with the soft and fine image of Satèn, Ricciolina also gives honour to our vineyard of the same name.
Terre d’Aenòr Satèn Ricciolina reflects in full the most rigorous and pure standards associated with the production of Franciacorta Satèn. It is produced using only South facing sun-drenched white Chardonnay grapes, that naturally have a higher sugar content, sweeter and fruitier aroma and less sharp acidity.
Satèn takes on its real identity during the second fermentation inside the bottle, when a small quantity of sugar is added compared to other Franciacorta wines. This allows a lower level of pressure to be applied to the grapes (maximum 5 bars) which permits the formation of carbon dioxide and consequently bubbles that are less aggressive on the palate. The result is a fine, elegant sparkling wine full of aroma, characterized by an abundant, creamy, soft froth with an enticing aroma.
Or as we say here at Terre d’Aenòr: a soft and carefree Satèn.
Discover our Terre d’Aenòr Satèn Ricciolina.
