Franciacorta DOCG​

The Franciacorta DOCG is one of the most prestigious appellations in Italy and the benchmark for the production of Metodo Classico sparkling wines, in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy. Known for its excellence and its long tradition, Franciacorta was the first Italian sparkling wine to obtain DOCG status (1995), standing out for the quality and elegance of its wines. Made mainly from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco, Franciacorta wines are characterised by their freshness, aromatic complexity and fine, persistent perlage, with long ageing on the lees that gives them depth and longevity.

Characteristics of Franciacorta DOCG

Colour

  • Brut and Satèn: Bright straw yellow with golden highlights.
  • Rosé: Pale pink with a fine, persistent perlage.
  • Riserva: Deep gold with elegant, refined bubbles.

Aromas

  • Fruity: Citrus, green apple, white peach, dried fruit and nuts in the more evolved wines.
  • Floral: White flowers, acacia and hawthorn.
  • Autolytic: Notes of bread crust, brioche, butter and almond.
  • Mineral: Shades of flint and chalk in the more complex wines.

Palate

  • Fresh and savoury: Vibrant acidity and creamy perlage.
  • Elegant and harmonious: A perfect balance between fruit, structure and complexity.
  • Persistent and refined: A long finish with notes of dried fruit and butter.

Production Area

Thethe Franciacorta DOCG area takes in 19 municipalities in the province of Brescia, between the Lake Iseo  and the Po plain, with ideal climatic conditions for producing high-quality sparkling wines. The area is characterised by:
  • Soils: Morainic, limestone and rich in minerals, ideal for giving savouriness and freshness.
  • Climate: Temperate with wide diurnal temperature swings, which favour acidity and aromatic complexity.

Grape Varieties Used

  • Chardonnay: The main grape variety, it gives freshness, elegance and aromatic finesse.
  • Pinot Nero: It brings structure, complexity and longevity.
  • Pinot Bianco: Used in a small percentage to add softness and delicacy.
  • Erbamat: A native grape variety introduced recently to add freshness and longevity.

Types of Franciacorta DOCG

  • Franciacorta Brut: Dry and elegant, with at least 18 months on the lees.
  • Franciacorta Satèn: Produced only from white grapes, with lower pressure for a creamier bubble.
  • Franciacorta Rosé: Minimum 35% Pinot Nero, unique structure and complexity.
  • Franciacorta Millesimato: Produced only in the best vintages, aged for at least 30 months on the lees.
  • Franciacorta Riserva: The finest of the appellation, with at least 60 months on the lees.

Food Pairings

Franciacorta Brut

  • Seafood: Oysters, tuna tartare, raw prawns.
  • Gourmet Starters: Foie gras, caviar, truffle.
  • Fried Fish: Squid, fried prawns.

Franciacorta Satèn

  • Risottos and Creamy Pasta: Mushroom risotto, pasta with cream and salmon.
  • Soft Cheeses: Brie, Camembert.

Franciacorta Rosé

  • White Meat: Roast chicken, stuffed turkey.
  • Spicy Dishes: Asian cuisine, sashimi.

Why Choose Franciacorta DOCG?

The Franciacorta DOCG represents the peak of refinement and quality  among Italian sparkling wines, with careful, rigorous production that guarantees wines elegant, complex and perfect for special occasions.

Franciacorta DOCG: My personal top three

  • 1
    Franciacorta D.O.C.G. Satèn Brut Blanc de Blancs Non-vintage - Castel Faglia

    Franciacorta D.O.C.G. Satèn Brut Blanc de Blancs Non-vintage - Castel Faglia

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Franciacorta, Italy, Lombardy
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  • 2
    Cisiolo 2022 - Muratori

    Cisiolo 2022 - Muratori

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Franciacorta, Italy, Lombardy
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  • 3
    Secolo Novo 2010 - Le Marchesine​

    Secolo Novo 2010 - Le Marchesine​

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Franciacorta, Italy, Lombardy
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