Founded in 1836 and still family-owned, Mosnel is one of the top producers of Franciacorta which arguably, is Italy’s finest sparkling wine. This vintage-dated beauty, named with the initials of the founder, Emanula Barzanò Barboglio, is simply stunning. Made entirely from organically grown Chardonnay, fermented in oak barrels and aged on the lees for 36 months, it delivers elegance and a wow-factor without heaviness. Oak-barrel first fermentation and lees-aging after the second add a richness and complexity without making the wine weighty or overbearing. Cutting precision imparts balance and structure. I know, people will say that for 80 bucks they could buy Champagne. Well, Mosnel’s EBB 2019 shouldn’t be compared to Champagne. It is wondrously distinct from that category and stands smartly on own its merits. If you are splurging on bubbly in defiance of a “dry January,” put this one on your list. You will not be disappointed.
95 Michael Apstein – January 21, 2026