Franciacorta is Lombardy's answer to the great European sparkling-wine traditions: a high-quality, metodo classico (traditional method) sparkling wine produced around the towns of Franciacorta in the province of Brescia. While many Italian sparkling wines use tank methods, Franciacorta places bottle fermentation and lees-aging at the center of its identity.
Where Franciacorta Comes From
The Franciacorta area lies between Brescia and Lake Iseo in northern Italy. Its glacial soils, mild continental climate, and careful vineyard practices create ideal conditions for producing refined sparkling wines with elegance and depth.
Grapes and Styles
Franciacorta wines are typically made from:
- Chardonnay - backbone of many Franciacorta cuvées, providing finesse and citrus/mineral notes
- Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) - adds body, red-fruit character, and structure (often used in Rosé)
- Pinot Bianco - occasionally blended for softness and fruit
Key styles include:
- Franciacorta Satèn - made only in white wines primarily from Chardonnay; lower pressure and a softer mousse create a silkier texture
- Franciacorta Rosé - typically includes Pinot Nero and shows delicate red-fruit aromas
- Millesimato (Vintage) - made from a single exceptional year and aged longer on lees
- Non-vintage (Cuvée) - blended for consistency and house style
Production and Aging
All Franciacorta must be produced using the traditional method with a secondary fermentation in bottle. Aging requirements vary by style, with minimum lees aging for non-vintage cuvées around 18 months and much longer for vintage and Riserva wines. The result is a wine with fine bubbles, complex autolytic notes (bread, brioche), and good aging potential.
Food Pairing
Franciacorta's versatility makes it excellent with:
- Seafood and shellfish (risotto, oysters, grilled fish)
- Light pasta dishes and creamy sauces
- Soft cheeses and appetizers
- For Satèn, delicate sushi and raw preparations
Notable Producers
Well-known Franciacorta producers include:
- Ca' del Bosco - one of the most famous names, known for refined sparkling wines
- Berlucchi - historic producer credited with helping establish Franciacorta's reputation
- Bellavista - elegant cuvées with strong aging potential
- Contadi Castaldi - modern approach and quality-focused wines
Franciacorta shines when you want a sophisticated, bottle-fermented sparkling wine that pairs beautifully with fine food. If you appreciate Champagne and other traditional-method wines, Franciacorta offers excellent quality and character at often very competitive prices.