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Franciacorta

Backlit white grape bunch on the vine in Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy

Photo: paola capelletto on Unsplash

Sparkling

Franciacorta is a sparkling wine style known for brioche, citrus, almond. Its best-known homes are Lombardy, Italy.

StyleSparkling
Body●●●○○ (3/5)
FlavoursBrioche, citrus, almond
Key regionsLombardy, Italy
Food pairingRisotto, seafood, antipasti

Origin and history

Italy's leading traditional-method sparkling wine; the modern style began in 1961 when Guido Berlucchi and winemaker Franco Ziliani released the first bottles. DOCG since 1995.

Where it grows

The Franciacorta hills south of Lake Iseo in the province of Brescia, Lombardy.

Structure

Medium body, fresh but ripe acidity and fine bubbles; Pas Dosé to Demi-Sec. Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco and a little Erbamat.

Aromas, young and aged

Young: lemon, yellow apple, white peach and almond. With age: brioche, toast, hazelnut, honey and dried fruit.

Ageing

Non-vintage within 2–4 years; Millesimato and Riserva can age for 10 years or more.

Good to know

Minimum lees ageing is 18 months, 24 for Satèn and Rosé, 30 for vintage (Millesimato) and 60 for Riserva. Satèn is a white-grape style at lower pressure.

Franciacorta wines to try

Real bottles from The Wine Library.

Sparkling · Italy

Ca' del Bosco Franciacorta Cuvée Prestige

Lombardy · Franciacorta · Franciacorta

Fine bubbles, white peach, citrus and toasty bread notes.

Food: Aperitivo, sushi, fried risotto balls

Similar styles

Champagne (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Meunier)CavaCrémantTrento DOCSektEnglish sparkling wineCap ClassiquePét-Nat (Pétillant Naturel)

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