| Visiting Franciacorta |
| A taste of tradition |
| Producers to watch |
What is Franciacorta? Why is it so special, and why don’t more people know about it? Nestled in the picturesque hills of Lombardy, Northern Italy, Franciacorta (pronounced ‘francha-corta’) is one of the country’s finest sparkling wines. Produced in the traditional metodo classico style using Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco grapes, it’s Italy’s answer to Champagne..
Visiting Franciacorta
Franciacorta, in the province of Brescia, not far from Milan, stretches for over 200 kilometres and is characterised by gently rolling hills covered in vineyards. Holidays there could be ideal as a slow travel base with winery visits, biking and culinary experiences. In 2000, the Strada del Franciacorta Association was founded to promote the area’s wine tourism. It’s not just a destination for wine lovers but anyone seeking a luxurious, yet laid-back retreat.
A taste of tradition
The secret to Franciacorta’s exceptional taste lies in its terroir. The mineral-rich soils, shaped by glaciers, and the microclimate created by nearby Lake Iseo give the grapes their distinct bright acidity. The addition of Erbamat—a native grape that boosts acidity—has put Franciacorta even more on the map. One of the finest expressions of the region’s sparkling wine is Franciacorta Satèn. Made only from Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grapes, it’s softer, smoother, and richer in texture due to lower pressure in the bottle (only 4.5 atmospheres vs. the usual 6).
Producers to watch
Barone Pizzini - A historic winery which is a huge ambassador of sustainability, and established in 1850, this company is led by Silvano Brescianini, current ambassador and advocate of Erbamat.Ca’ del Bosco - Tech and terroir forward, Ca’ del Bosco is in the top league in Franciacorta, and a frontrunner on the international stage. Maurizio Zanella is a perfectionist and is hugely regarded in his field.
Mosnel - One of the oldest family wineries in Franciacorta is one of the veritable flag bearers. Its 16th-century wine cellars and surrounding vineyards are an eloquent testimony to the age-old winemaking traditions that the Barboglio family inherited in 1836.
Corte Fusia - Founded in the 2000s is a young boutique winery in the southwest part of Franciacorta. Owned by two friends; an oenologist and an agronomist, this is a labour of love and friendship.
Berlucchi - Created in 1961, the Berlucchi winery is today a wine destination for wine lovers all over the world. On its 515 hectares of land, Berlucchi produces around 4,500,000 bottles of Franciacorta DOCG wine per year, all of which are sustainably driven.
