BELLAGUARDIA Archivio 1302 — Extra Brut, Traditional Method

APPEARANCE
A luminous golden yellow with warm, sunlit reflections, expressing the visual maturity of an extensively aged Traditional Method wine. Exceptionally fine, persistent bubbles rise with measured elegance, forming a delicate, finely textured mousse that enhances the wine's refined presence in the glass.

NOSE
An intricate and expressive bouquet, where prolonged lees ageing reveals delicate layers of fine pastry, freshly baked biscuits, vanilla cream and alpine butter. These autolytic nuances gradually mingle with ripe peach, gooseberry, blackcurrant, mango and pineapple, while subtle impressions of candied citrus bring freshness and definition. A complex aromatic interplay between mature richness and vibrant fruit expression.

PALATE
Generous and deeply expressive, yet remarkably poised. The palate combines the enveloping complexity of extended maturation with succulent fruit, lively acidity and a distinctly savoury progression. Fine, well-integrated effervescence contributes to a polished texture, while the Extra Brut dosage allows the wine's freshness and structural character to remain at the forefront.

BALANCE & STRUCTURE
A compelling balance between aromatic maturity, textural richness and underlying energy. The wine's substantial ageing character is counterbalanced by incisive freshness and a pronounced saline impression, creating depth without excessive weight. Its structure is harmonious, sustained and elegantly articulated, with the fine mousse contributing to an impression of remarkable precision.

EVOLUTION IN THE GLASS
With gentle aeration and a gradual rise in temperature, the wine may reveal further nuances of delicate pastry, candied citrus and mature orchard fruit. The interaction between its developed aromatic complexity and persistent freshness invites an unhurried tasting experience, allowing its different sensory layers to emerge progressively.

FINISH
Long, refined and remarkably persistent. Fresh citrus impressions and mature fruit gradually give way to an elegant savoury sensation, accompanied by subtle mineral echoes. The finish retains clarity and vitality, leaving a lasting impression of balance, depth and composure.

SENSORY IDENTITY
Archivio 1302 is distinguished by the meeting of extended lees maturation and enduring freshness. Its character is defined by the richness of its autolytic aromas, the precision of its fine effervescence and a vibrant savoury dimension that prevents maturity from becoming heaviness. An accomplished expression of time, structure and territorial personality.

SERVING TEMPERATURE
10–12°C. (50–54°F.) — Recommended to appreciate the wine's mature aromatic complexity, refined texture and savoury freshness. A generous tulip-shaped glass or an elegant white-wine glass is preferable to a narrow flute, allowing the bouquet to develop while preserving the perception of fine effervescence.

BEYOND INTERPRETATION*
Archivio 1302 captures a fascinating paradox: a wine shaped by an exceptional passage of time, yet defined by its ability to preserve energy and precision. Beneath its golden appearance and intricate layers of mature fruit and pastry lies a distinctive savoury vitality, connecting the patience of cellar ageing with the character of the Lessini foothills. A deeply expressive Traditional Method cuvée, where maturity becomes not an end in itself, but a means of revealing identity.

PRODUCER AFFILIATION

FIVI — Federazione Italiana Vignaioli Indipendenti
Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers | Producer Affiliation

Bellaguardia displays the emblem of FIVI, the Italian Federation of Independent Winegrowers, representing a philosophy of producer independence, direct involvement in vineyard cultivation and personal responsibility throughout the winemaking process. This affiliation reflects the close relationship between the winegrower, the land and the individual identity of the wines produced. FIVI membership is a professional affiliation, not an organic or environmental certification.

AWARDS, DISTINCTIONS & CRITICAL RECOGNITION

2025 — AIS Veneto · Vinetia | Premio Rialto
Producer Recognition & Wine Guide Inclusion — Bellaguardia / Archivio 1302

Bellaguardia received the Premio Rialto 2025 recognition in AIS Veneto's Vinetia wine guide, which also explicitly lists Archivio 1302 among the estate's evaluated wines. The distinction is awarded to the producer, while the inclusion of Archivio 1302 establishes a documented reference to the cuvée within the guide.

2024 — Passione Gourmet | Champagne vs Resto del Mondo
29 November 2024 · Independent Editorial Selection — Archivio 1302 Extra Brut 2008

Selected and reviewed by wine critic Leila Salimbeni in a specialist feature comparing Champagne with Traditional Method sparkling wines from other wine-producing regions. Archivio 1302 was presented alongside established international cuvées, with particular attention to its ten years of lees ageing, additional maturation after disgorgement, structural richness, expressive palate and fine, incisive bubbles.

2024 — Wine Reporter / Reporter Gourmet | Marco Colognese
1 March 2024 · Independent Critical Review — Archivio 1302 Extra Brut 2008

A dedicated wine review examining Archivio 1302's origins, the historic underground stone quarries beneath Juliet's Castle and its extended maturation. The tasting highlights complex pastry and ripe-fruit aromas, remarkable freshness, succulent texture, pronounced savoury character and a long, elegant finish.

2023 — AIS Vitae | Quattro Viti (Four Vines)
Wine Award — BELLAGUARDIA Archivio 1302 Extra Brut 2008

Archivio 1302 Extra Brut 2008 received the Quattro Viti distinction in the 2023 edition of Vitae, the national wine guide published by the Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS). The wine and its vintage are explicitly identified in the official award listing, making this a directly attributable recognition for the 2008 release.