franciacorta
“where the mountains meet the water”
On the shores of Lake Iseo
Franciacorta is a relatively new addition to the Italian sparkling wine scene, having only been produced for the past 60 years. Given this, the majority of the tasting rooms are modern and spectacular. The quality of this wine is exceptionally high. It is often referred to as Italy's answer to Champagne, and it stands worlds apart from the more well-known Prosecco and Asti bubbles.
Located in Lombardy, northern Italy, on the shores of Lake Iseo and not far from Milan, Franciacorta offers a genuinely Italian experience. Despite being Lombardy's fourth largest lake, Lake Iseo remains lesser-known, preserving its authenticity.
This charm is especially evident if you take a boat to Monte Isola, where time appears to have stood still. Here you will observe fishermen and their families engaging in their daily routines, just as they have done for generations. It's a remarkable representation of a bygone era, offering a glimpse into another time.
Here's the best part: This is a relatively undiscovered, quiet and untraveled wine region. Despite only being there for a weekend you really get the opportunity to slow down and relax.
the info
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Franciacorta is around a 45 minute drive from Milan Bergamo airport. Whilst it is possible to reach the region by train, I would recommend hiring a car especially where time is precious for a weekend. Plus, you will need it to visit the wineries.
Wine tourism is still in its infancy in the region, and you will need to arrange tastings in advance of your visit via the company’s websites.
For full details on how to visit Franciacorta for a weekend, see Franciacorta Itinerary.
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Anzo all’olio di Rovato is a local dish of braised beef cooked slowly in olive oil and served on a bed of polenta. Enjoy with a glass of Franciacorta.
Franciacorta works absolutely exquisitely with walnuts. The refreshing, mouth-watering sensation created from combining the two is truly unique.
Franciacorta is also a wine to be enjoyed on its own, maybe as an aperitif or for some special celebrations.
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Contact your hotel in advance if you are arriving late on Friday. They may need to leave you a key out.
Be prepared you may come across squat toilets in Monte Isola!
Plan ahead as restaurants are not open all day, you should plan your meals around conventional meal times.
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Ready to live the #weekendwinelife in Franciacorta?
You can find a suggested travel itinerary with recommended hotels and restaurants and a reservation check list right here;
what is Franciacorta?
Three grape varieties can be used in Franciacorta sparkling wine;
- Chardonnay (White)
- Pinot Nero a.k.a Pinot Noir (Red)
- Pinot Bianco (White)
Pinot Bianco is considered a slightly lesser quality than the other two, and no more than 50% of this variety will be included. A blend of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay is more common.
How It's Made
Just like Champagne, Franciacorta is crafted using the meticulous 'traditional' method of sparkling wine production. This involves two fermentations, with the second occurring in the bottle it's sold in. During this stage, the yeast consumes the sugar, producing alcohol and CO2. The CO2 is trapped in the bottle, creating bubbles. As the yeast becomes exhausted and dies, it forms 'lees,' remaining in contact with the wine. While it may sound unappetising, this lees contact is what imparts the toasty and bready flavours characteristic of traditional method sparkling wines. The dead yeast is removed before the wine reaches consumers.
The longer a wine is aged on its lees, the more flavour it develops. For instance, the high-quality Riserva Franciacorta must be aged on its lees for at least five years. Franciacorta stands out as the only Italian sparkling wine that must be made this way, making it truly special.
How Does It Taste?
Franciacorta carries all the expected flavours of a sparkling wine made in the traditional method (baked brioche, dough, apple, lemon peel) with an added creaminess, buttery custard and soft weight on the palate.
useful terminology
Franciacorta Satèn – This means ‘silk’ in Italian, and Satèn is made purely from white grapes (Blanc de Blancs), most often Chardonnay for its smoothness. It is aged on the lees for 24 months minimum, and is bottled with slightly less pressure than other traditional sparkling wines, giving it a gentler fizz and a somewhat silkier texture.
Franciacorta Millesimato – This means vintage, indicating a minimum of 85% of the wine came from a single year. It is only made in the best years.
Franciacorta Riserva – This is a very high quality Franciacorta. It will only be made from excellent vintages, and will remain on the lees for many, many years making it very complex to taste.
This section is going to be short, as Franciacorta has only recently found its confidence in sparkling wine making. Sparkling wine in some form has been made in the region for centuries, but the first bottle of Franciacorta was produced by the Guido Berlucchi winery in 1961. In the following years research and expertise was brought to the region, and in the 1990’s a consortium was formed and a production ‘rulebook’ was made, setting the guidelines and standards for the beautiful wine we appreciate today. It is increasing more in popularity, and I would recommend getting there before everyone else realises about this fantastic wine.
