Franciacorta sparkling wine is often compared to Champagne: there are several similarities between these two great sparkling wines, especially in regard to their production method and some of the basic vines from which they are produced. Sharing quality and elegance, both wines also take their name from the territory from which they are produced. Nevertheless, these wines are completely different from each other and, although the Franciacorta DOCG denomination is relatively new,  it is gaining increasing notoriety, not only in Italy but also abroad. This is not surprising considering Italy’s propensity to produce high-quality sparkling wines: just think of the Prosecco DOC, Trento DOC, and the sparkling wines of Alta Langa DOCG. 

History and production area of Franciacorta DOCG

Franciacorta, a hilly area belonging to the Lombardy region, has been home to the vine since prehistoric times. Throughout history, numerous written testimonies have highlighted the particular vocation of this area for producing excellent red, white, and sparkling wines. However, it was eleventh-century monks who redeveloped this initially swampy area to make it suitable for excellent wine production: the monks did this in exchange for exemption from paying taxes to the Republic of Venice. Indeed, the name Franciacorta derives from "corte franca" or monastic courts that are exempt from taxes. 

The first bottles of Franciacorta were produced in 1961 by Guido Berlucchi and, by 1967,  Franciacorta DOC was established as one of the first denominations to register sparkling wine. The Franciacorta DOCG was not established until 1995, and is reserved for excellent sparkling wines produced according to the Classic Method. 

DOC and DOCG wines in Italy are regulated by production rules which aim to preserve and protect the distinctive characteristics of the wines produced from vines in specific areas: in the case of Franciacorta DOCG, there are only 19 privileged Lombard municipalities in which vines develop the best organoleptic profile for sparkling wines. 

The territory of Franciacorta DOCG has a triangular shape. One side of the area overlooks Lake Iseo, benefiting from currents that mitigate the climate and allow good aeration of the vine. Meanwhile, one of the other sides enjoys the presence of the Po Valley and the Alps which create a unique and unrepeatable terroir. In ancient times this area was composed of glaciers and is currently characterized by extreme morphological and geological complexity: six different vocational units have been identified as giving the grapes their excellent characteristics.  For their part, the winemakers have dedicated themselves to the organic cultivation of wines since 1990, the year in which the Consortium for the protection of Franciacorta was founded. Winemakers have increasingly produced organic wines such as Franciacorta DOCG Brut Green Vegan.

How are the refined Franciacorta DOCG sparkling wines produced?

The main vines of Franciacorta DOCG are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc. However, a native vine of the area, called Erbamat, has recently been re-evaluated and rediscovered and has become part of the ampelographic composition of Franciacorta sparkling wines.  
After careful cultivation of a controlled yield from the vineyards, to ensure the highest quality the production specification provides that these grapes are harvested only by hand to protect the grape berries, which must be received intact at the winery.

Then, following the Classic Method used for the production of Champagne in France, the sparkling wine is made based on refermentation in the bottle. Starting from one or more base wines, the wines obtained can take different names: when the grapes used all come from the same year of harvest, the sparkling wine will be Millesimato, but if the grapes come from different vintages, the year cannot be reported on the label. Furthermore, if the blended base wines come entirely from white grape varieties, the product will be a Blanc de blancs sparkling wine, while If black grapes are pressed and the juice is allowed to ferment after being separated from the skins, the result is white wine Blanc de noirs refers to black grape varieties vinified in white. 

To the cuvèe thus obtained, the liqueur de tirage is added. This liqueur is a solution that creates sparkling wines through fermentation and the consequent development of alcohol and carbon dioxide. The wine is then bottled and the bottles are placed horizontally for a period for a variable period of aging. The bottles are rotated to facilitate the deposit of yeasts in the neck of the bottle, which will then be expelled. Following this operation, the liqueur d'expedition is added in varying doses, depending on its sugar content. This in turn generates a classification of sparkling wines from Pas dosè to Doux, based on their sweetness and the grammes of sugar present per liter.

Franciacorta DOCG wines: which types exist and what are their best pairings?

The Franciacorta area delights us with different types of wines that are distinguishable according to their winemaking processes and their characteristics. According to their production specification, it is forbidden to specify on the label that it is a sparkling wine: this testifies to the notoriety of Franciacorta DOCG. However, there are no such limits on the wines’ culinary pairings!

To better appreciate the different types of Franciacorta, we can offer you some of the best gastronomic pairings:

• Franciacorta DOCG: subjected to an aging period of 18 months, this wine is made from a maximum percentage of 50% Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Bianco grapes. It is a straw yellow colour with golden reflections. Its harmonious taste makes it suitable for the entire meal;
• Franciacorta Rosè DOCG: this is aged for 24 months or more and must be made from a minimum percentage of 25% Pinot Noir. It is cherry pink and is characterized by an intense aroma and a fragrant taste, as in the case of Franciacorta Brut Rosè "Essence" DOCG Milesimato 2016. It can accompany fish menus and white meat;
• Franciacorta Satèn DOCG: this type is unique, with a creamy and elegant foam. It is a Blanc de blancs as the use of Pinot Noir is not allowed. Moreover, it can only be produced in the Brut type and provides for an aging period of at least 24 months. It is ideal paired with delicate dishes and with risottos, sushi, and shrimp tempura;
• Millesimato and Riserva: in the Milleesimata version, the aging period is 30 months, extended up to 60 months for the Riserva type. The aging gives Franciacorta DOCG wines coppery reflections and the complex notes typical of a long period in the bottle. These sparkling wines are suitable even with red meat and cured meats.

Now that you know everything about the characteristics of Franciacorta DOCG and how to best enjoy it, have fun trying the pairings you prefer. Choose the menu, and Svinando will take care of the wine! 
Our experts have selected labels from the best wineries for you to receive directly at your home!  These refined and elegant sparkling wines will make every occasion truly special.