By Franciacorta Wines
From the rolling hills of Brescia and breezes of Lake Iseo to its rich history dating back to the 16th century, Franciacorta is a picturesque region with stunning sparkling wines that stand out above the rest. The name Franciacorta is a single term that defines the territory in Italy, production method, and of course, the wine itself. Produced only in the Franciacorta border in Northern Italy, Franciacorta is handcrafted in the ‘metodo classico,’ or classical method, guaranteeing the award-winning wines are of the highest quality.
Franciacorta was the first Italian sparkling wine produced exclusively in the metodo classico, in which wine is refermented directly in the bottle. This method is the result of ancient knowledge passed down through generations, with some modern adaptations due to technological advances. The first official recognition of Franciacorta dates back to 1967 when the region was awarded the DOC status. In 1995, Franciacorta was the first Italian sparkling wine to receive the highest designation of quality – DOCG – meeting the strictest quality-control regulations for any sparkling wine in the world. The Franciacorta Consortium guarantees that only prestigious grape varieties are used and that they are harvested by hand and naturally fermented in the bottle. The wine is then slow-aged on the lees anywhere from 18 months to 60 months, or even more! Following the fermentation and aging process, the bottles are rotated daily and inclined progressively to gradually shift the sediment and yeast until disgorgement is implemented and they are resealed with a classic mushroom cork.
There are several varietals of Franciacorta, offering a glass of wine for every palate: Millesimato (Vintage), Riserva, Rosé, and the exclusive Franciacorta varietal, Satèn (which is bottled at a lower pressure yielding refined bubbles reminiscent of satin). The wine region offers several styles that vary in levels of sweetness, from dosage zero to demi-sec. Grape varieties include Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and the recent addition, Erbamat – an indigenous and late-ripening white grape.
Franciacorta is a refreshing, yet complex sparkling wine that pairs well with numerous savory dishes. The region of Franciacorta, as well as the unique soil and climate, play a significant role in the wines overall tasting notes. Franciacorta is located in the heart of Lombardy, with the picturesque hills and grand Lake Iseo creating an ideal mild climate for wine production. In addition to the 116 vineyards along the Strada del Vino Franciacorta (Franciacorta Wine Road), visitors can expect to find medieval castles, activities such as boating and fishing, and an array of luxury hotels, spas, and top-rated restaurants.
