In the northern hills of Italy, just south of Lake Iseo, bubbles rise. Dense woods flank rows of grapevines and groves of olive trees on steep hills.
This is Franciacorta, home of the exceptional Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) sparkling wines that carry the region’s name. The mineral-rich soil was created by 10,000-year-old glacial shifts and, coupled with quality viticulture, produces extraordinarily stimulating wines.
Franciacorta’s origins are ancient. From the Roman era through the Early and Late Middle Ages, its favorable climate and diverse soil types led generations of winemakers to cultivate of countless vineyards. The 1570 Libellus de Vini Mordaci by Gerolamo Conforti, and the 1809 Napoleonic Cadastral, both report over 1,000 hectares of vines dedicated to wine production.
Franciacorta today combines ancient knowledge, passed down through generations, and technological evolution perpetuated by curious winemakers. Thanks to a production method regulated by strict and scrupulous standards, wines from the region have become synonymous with quality. Its grapes hail from noble vines and are harvested by hand. They are naturally fermented in bottles and subjected to a slow maturation on yeasts—no less than 18 months. Millesimati wines require 30 months, and Riserve 60 months
Made with Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco, Franciacorta is an ideal wine for many meals: from aperitifs to entrees, and from simple dishes to the most complex recipes. Its intense, straw-yellow color has golden highlights and a fine and persistent perlage. The bouquet is characteristic of bottle fermentation: hints of bread and yeast enriched with delicate notes of citrus and dried fruits such as almond, hazelnut, dried figs. The flavors are savory, fresh, fine and harmonious.
What better occasion than the upcoming holidays to experience Franciacorta’s sophistication and versatility firsthand? Thanksgiving turkey pairs perfectly with a Franciacorta Riserva Pas Dosé. The Chardonnay and Pinot Noir counterbalance the succulent flavors of the dish with their dryness. And, for those planning ahead, the festive bubbles in all Franciacorta wines make a stellar New Year’s Eve toast!
Last Updated: May 8, 2023
