Franciacorta wines

Discover the Excellence of Franciacorta on Xtrawine: Metodo Classico and Terroir of Prestige!

Franciacorta DOCG is produced using the Metodo Classico, the Italian equivalent of the Champenoise Method, which involves re-fermentation in the bottle and separation of deposits by disgorging. The grape varieties allowed for the production of Franciacorta wines are Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and, in percentages not exceeding 50%, Pinot Bianco.

The Franciacorta DOCG regulations only admit vineyards that are located in the area's historic municipalities and that meet precise requirements. The harvested grapes must reach the winery immediately, and vinification, draught and refermentation operations may only be carried out in the area. The must may only be obtained by direct pressing, without destemming the grapes. The maximum grape-to-wine yield is 65%. The minimum period of maturation on the lees before disgorging is 18 months. Bottles may only be marketed with a cork secured by the traditional metal cage.

Types of Franciacorta: Different Expressions of Elegance

The types of Franciacorta allowed are different and for each there are specific requirements. Alongside the Franciacorta DOCG without additional specifications, the following types are provided for:

Franciacorta Millesimato, with indication of the year in which the grapes were harvested. The cuvée must consist of at least 85% from a single harvest and the minimum period of ageing on the lees in the bottle may not be less than 30 months.
Franciacorta Rosé, obtained solely from the rosé vinification of Pinot Noir grapes. The minimum period of refinement in the bottle for this type is 24 months.
Franciacorta Satèn, made only from white grapes, mainly Chardonnay, and characterised by a pressure inside the bottle of less than 5 atmospheres, which makes it softer and creamier.
Franciacorta Riserva, awarded to vintage wines after an ageing period of at least 60 months.

For all types there is also an indication of the sugar dosage, according to the Champagne scale and indicated by EU regulations. Based on the amount of sugar present, Franciacorta wines are subdivided into:

Dosage Zero, i.e. with a sugar level of less than 3 grams per litre.
Extra Brut, with a sugar level of less than 6 g/l.
Franciacorta Brut, with a sugar level of less than 12 grams per litre, and other much rarer sweet types. The lower the sugar level, the drier the taste.

The hilly terroir of Franciacorta: a perfect habitat for grapes

The hilly terrain of Franciacorta, extending between Brescia and Lake Iseo, comprises 20 municipalities and has soils rich in sand and silt, poor in clay, ideal for the production of these prized bubbles. The continental climate is mitigated by its proximity to Lake Iseo, favouring the cultivation of high quality grapes.

Discover the Franciacorta Selection on Xtrawine: Prestigious Wines for Every Occasion! Franciacorta enthusiasts can find a wide selection of these bubbles on Xtrawine's online wine shop, where you can buy well-known names such as Franciacorta Ca del Bosco, Franciacorta La Montina and the renowned Franciacorta by Fratelli Berlucchi. With different types and prices, these wines are perfect for any