Franciacorta

Franciacorta: A Millennial History of Oenological Excellence

Franciacorta, one of the most renowned Italian sparkling wines, with a history rich in tradition and prestige. Situated in the Lombardy region, Franciacorta is a sun-kissed territory characterised by limestone soils that give the wine its distinctive organoleptic characteristics. The origins of Franciacorta wine date back to Roman times, when the region was known for producing wine that was already appreciated by the ancients. However, it was in the Middle Ages that the appellation 'Franciacorta' emerged, indicating "francae curtes" lands, free from the payment of feudal taxes. This privileged status attracted numerous monks and nobles, who contributed to the development of agriculture and viticulture in the region. Over the centuries, wine production in Franciacorta underwent constant improvement, thanks to the foundation of numerous wine cellars and the adoption of increasingly advanced winemaking techniques. However, it was only in the 20th century that Franciacorta began to gain international fame and recognition, thanks to the determination and passion of its producers. In 1967, the Consortium for the Protection of Franciacorta was founded, with the aim of guaranteeing the quality and typicality of the sparkling wine produced in the region. Thanks to the joint efforts of the producers and the application of strict production standards, in 1995 Franciacorta obtained the recognition of Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG), attesting to its status of oenological excellence. Today, Franciacorta represents a symbol of prestige and refinement in the Italian and international wine scene. Every glass of Franciacorta tells the millennial story of a region that has made passion and dedication for wine its hallmark.

What kind of wine is Franciacorta?

Franciacorta is a high quality sparkling wine, mainly produced in the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo. Made using the traditional or 'classic method', Franciacorta undergoes a second fermentation in the bottle, which gives the wine its characteristic effervescence and aromatic complexity. The grapes used in the production of Franciacorta are mainly Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc, carefully selected and harvested by hand to ensure the highest quality. But what is the difference between Franciacorta and Prosecco? Compared to Prosecco, Franciacorta is distinguished by its greater aromatic complexity, the fineness of its bubbles and its capacity for ageing.

What types of Franciacorta wines are there?

The Franciacorta range has a wide variety of styles, each with its own unique characteristics. Among these, the Franciacorta Millesimato is distinguished by the exclusive use of grapes from a single vintage, offering superior complexity and structure. Franciacorta Rosè is distinguished by its delicate pink colour and fruity aromas, derived from the short maceration of the skins of the Pinot Noir grapes. In Franciacorta Satèn, the creamy component is evident, thanks to the use of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grapes and a lower pressure in the bottles. Finally, the Franciacorta Riserva, with at least 60 months of ageing, offers extraordinary aromatic complexity and great elegance, representing the pinnacle of production.

In addition to these varieties, the differences between the Extra Brut, Brut and Zero versions add further depth to the Franciacorta range. The Extra Brut, with a residual sugar content of less than 6 grams per litre, offers extreme freshness and dryness, ideal for those who prefer a drier taste. Brut, with a slightly higher dosage, offers a balance between lively acidity and delicate sweetness, making it the most popular choice. The Franciacorta Zero, on the other hand, with zero residual sugar content, stands out for its purity and crystal-clear freshness, offering a dry and intense experience on the palate. This variety of sweetness allows consumers to find the Franciacorta that best suits their tastes and preferences.

Taste and Refinement: Culinary Pairings with Franciacorta Wine

Franciacorta is a versatile wine suitable for many drinking occasions. It is perfectly suited as an aperitif, to be enjoyed in the company of appetisers or smoked salmon canapés. Its freshness and acidity also make it ideal as an accompaniment for fish dishes such as sushi, carpaccio or crudités. For a bolder pairing, try Franciacorta Millesimato with a fresh white truffle dish, enhancing the aromatic complexity of the wine. Alternatively, opt for Franciacorta Rosè with a plate of seafood risotto, creating a perfect marriage of delicate flavours and refined bubbles.

The best Franciacorta wine labels on xtraWine

On xtraWine, you will find a careful selection of the best Franciacorta labels: from renowned producers to small artisanal wineries, some of the most popular labels include Bellavista, Le Marchesine, Fratelli Berlucchi and many others, each with their own interpretation of Franciacorta and their own distinctive style. Explore our selection and purchase the best bottles of this refined Lombard wine.