Franciacorta Wine Region

Franciacorta is a tiny district in Lombardy, central northern Italy, famed for its eponymous high-quality sparkling wines, which bear the Italian wine classification of Franciacorta DOCG. It is well-known for sparkling wines made in the traditional champagne manner. This wine type first originated in Franciacorta in the 1960s, but it swiftly surpassed other wines made in this region for decades. You will also visit hidden gems of viticulture and winemaking, where wines are mostly made in family wineries run by craftsmen. Explore the Franciacorta wine area and its territory, which is endowed with mountain valleys, stunning lakes, and earthly gastronomy. We encourage you to dive into the outstanding wines that make Franciacorta a favorite for wine drinkers worldwide.

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Where is the Franciacorta DOCG located?

DOCG Franciacorta is located in a beautiful corner of Lombardy, west of the city of Brescia. It starts in the hills surrounding the southern shore of Lake Iseo and descends to Montorfano Hill, which is the natural border between Franciacorta and the Padan Plain.

Unique Terroir of Franciacorta Appellation

The terroir – a particularly effective mix of climate and soil – is, of course, one of the fundamental factors that defined the success of Franciacorta sparkling wines, in addition to the dedication of local winemakers. 

Warm and sunny summer days are alternated by chilly nights here, providing the grapes with an exceptional opportunity to develop without losing acidity, which is critical in the manufacture of sparkling wines. At the same time, because of Lake Iseo's smoothing impact, the average temperature during the growth season remains rather stable.

The terrain here is also beneficial to the labour of winemakers. The Alps insulate northern Italy from the continental impact of Central Europe at the macro level, and the slopes that cover the vineyards at the micro level. Gravel, rocky soils are well-drained and mineral-rich, giving them a good setting for high-quality winemaking.

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History of Franciacorta Wine Region

Monks were historically major Franciacorta winemakers, while winemaking was practiced by Gauls, Romans, and Lombards before them. 

The region's name originated as a result of tax-free monastic communities (franchae curtes). Franciacorta existed as a geographical territory as early as the XIV century, and its current borders were established by Doge Francesco Foscari in 1429 when the territories were part of the Republic of Venice. 

It's interesting to note that sparkling wines were recognized in Franciacorta as early as the 16th century. In 1570, the physician Gerolamo Conforti authored the "Book of Living Wines" ("Libellus de vino mordaci"). This is one of the first books to describe the fermentation of wines in bottles, as well as their impact on the human body.

Franciacorta, founded in 1967, was one of the first wine regions in Italy to make sparkling wines. The law formally established worldwide varieties in place of the traditional local ones. There was some uncertainty. The Pinot varietal, often known as Pinot Chardonnay in its white form, was thought to be the best choice. It wasn't until the 1980s that people began to differentiate between Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. These varieties, together with red Pinot Nero, are currently used to make sparkling wines. 

The zone was designated as a DOCG in 1995. Wine is produced using the traditional process, which includes a second fermentation in a bottle, according to the standards. Only white varietals are used in the production of Franciacorta Satèn wines.

There's also Franciacorta Rosé, which can be made directly from the basic rose wine or by combining the base white and red wines.

What is Franciacorta DOCG Wine?

Franciacorta sparkling wines are manufactured in the style of champagne wines using classic champagne technology, although most Italian sparkling wines are made using a simplified Charmat method. 

Unlike the well-known Asti and Prosecco, sparkling wines from Franciacorta are pronounced terroir wines with aroma and depth comparable to champagne, despite the fact that Franciacorta sparkling wines have a 50-year history, while champagne has a 350-year history. 

The Franciacorta comes in vintage (one-year harvest) and non-vintage varieties. 

Vintage Franciacorta is available for purchase no sooner than 25 months following harvest, after which the wine spends 18 months in the bottle, matured on the lees. The longer the bouquet is left on the lees, the more delicate and refined it becomes.

Millesimato Franciacorta is a vintage Franciacorta. It is matured on the lees for 30 months, much like champagne. Millesimato cannot be sold before 37 months after harvest. 

The base wine of Rose Franciacorta comprises at least 25% Pinot noir. As with champagne, sparkling rosé wine may be made by combining white and red wine. It is the blending of base wines – secondary fermentation should occur concurrently. 

Franciacorta Saten is a Lombardian interpretation of Blanc de Blanc wines from France. Saten is solely created from Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grapes. 

Franciacorta riserva is a five-year-old sparkling wine from Franciacorta. 

Franciacorta wines have a gleaming straw-yellow hue with a delicate, persistent bubble game. A rich bouquet: sweet muffin and lime honey at first, then concentrated mint-orange and almond undertones. Dense, balanced flavour with great balance and freshness. Mineral undertones emerge in the thick, lasting aftertaste. A gastronomic wine that goes well with everything from appetizers to hearty dinners.

Food to Pair with Franciacorta wine

Casoncelli bresciani

Casoncelli bresciani is a traditional Italian, stuffed pasta dish from Brescia. This 15th-century pasta has very thin dough that highlights the taste of the filling, which is commonly comprised of shredded stale bread and cheese like Grana Padano or Bagss. Casoncelli are formed by folding thin pasta sheets over the filling and then pressing the edges, similar to how ravioli are made.

In Camonica Valley, the filling consists of meat or vegetables; in Longhena, the filling consists of spinach or Swiss chard; and in Barbariga, the filling consists of breadcrumbs, grated Grana Padano, beef broth, ham, garlic, spinach, sage, and parsley. Casoncelli bresciani are traditionally cooked in sugo burro e salvia (butter and sage sauce). Finally, grated Grana Padano is sprinkled over the pasta. The dish pairs beautifully with Franciacorta Brut or Extra Brut.

Tortellini in brodo

Tortellini in brodo is a traditional Bologna pasta dish that consists of little packets of meat-filled pasta served in a golden capon broth, occasionally with the addition of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. The dough is created from eggs and flour, while the filling is prepared from pork loin, prosciutto, mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, eggs, and nutmeg, according to the official recipe. 

Cooking in broth enhances the flavour of this ultimate comfort meal, which was formerly designated for celebratory occasions such as Christmas because of the time-consuming preparation technique. Tortellini are now a regular element of Bologna's gourmet offer, and the locals prefer to appreciate those remarkable tastes in a simple bowl of soup rather than cloaking them in heavy, creamy sauces. This meal makes a great pair with Franciacorta Satèn.

Tomino

Tomino is an Italian cheese from the Piedmont region. It is prepared from cow's milk and has a pale yellow internal paste that is compact and velvety. The cheese is tiny and spherical. It has a sweet, creamy scent with bitter overtones when young, and its features get stronger as it matures.  The taste is mild and somewhat sweet. Tomino is best served as an appetizer, ideally grilled and accompanied by vegetables on the side.

Places to visit in Franciacorta

Monte Isola, Peaceful Island With Olive Groves

In the center of Iseo is the highest inhabited lake island in Europe — Monte Isola. The highest point is 600 meters above sea level. Boats from Sulzano go to the island. The island is only eight kilometres in diameter, and you can walk around it on an asphalt road, go around by bike or by bus, which travels around the perimeter of the island and stops in all settlements. 

Along the way, there are small villages, olive groves, panoramas of the lake, fish drying somewhere, fishermen drying their nets. Fishing and the construction of wooden boats were the mainstay of the island's economy until the 1970s.

In the east of the island, you can climb the hill to the Sanctuary of the Madonna della Ceriola with a panoramic platform and a 360-degree view, up to the hills of Franciacorta. On Monte Isola, people go for peace and tranquillity: to turn off their heads, leave thoughts and unresolved issues on the mainland, and on the island to take a deep breath, reboot. There are several settlements scattered around the island among olive groves, and no more than 2,000 inhabitants, so you can be sure that no one will bother you on Monte Isola.

Lake Iseo, A Lake With a Breathtaking Panoramic View

Lake Iseo is a lake in the north of Italy, Lombardy region. Along the shores of the lake, there is a picturesque road; An absolute advantage of Iseo over other lakes is the availability of alternative express ways that lead to Brescia, Bergamo, the Alps and run parallel to the shore of the lake, mostly in tunnels. Therefore, even in the busiest tourist season, you will not get into an hour-long traffic jam, going to visit the nearest sights or cities. Lake Iseo is the most homely of the four lakes. Many birds nest on the waters of Iseo, great Riva boats are built here, a lot of large and small fish live here, and in the mountains you can see a real Alpine flower Edelweiss.

Sports lovers are never bored here – sailing, windsurfing, mountain biking, horseback riding, multi-kilometer bike trails along the lake, fishing. And for skiers and snowboarders, this is simply paradise. 

The water in the lake is crystal clear and transparent, and the mountain air mixed with the aroma of the lake and evergreens makes you want not to breathe, you want to drink it. And this is not accidental. Riva di Solto is surrounded on two sides by two protected areas - the natural parks Parco del Lago di Endine and La Valle del Freddo - a regional nature reserve, which is also part of the ecological network of protected areas known as Natura 2000, established by the “European Union” to protect biodiversity. The landscape of the northern part of the lake is especially attractive, with its rocks, tunnels, and roads cut right into the thickness of the mountains.

Riserva Naturale Val di Mello - climbing granite in an alpine landscape

Val Masino, with the side valleys of Val di Mello and Val di Bagno, is certainly one of the most beautiful corners of the Alps. Narrow, partly still pristine valleys with huge granite flanks and high mountains around, reaching more than 3000 m. Every climber – whether bouldering, sports climber, or hiking – will find here the perfect place for his hobby. Together with the Italian flavor and the soothing tranquillity of one of the last paradises in the Alps in the off-season.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Franciacorta wine region