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Franciacorta DOCG is a classic method sparkling wine produced in the homonymous area of Franciacorta, in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy.
Franciacorta DOCG is produced with the classic method tecnique, the rifermentation in bottle. The climate of this wine region is warm but mitigation takes place thanks to Lake Iseo. The high standard viticolture and winemaking make this region one of the best in quality in all Italy.
Distribution is 90% in Italy but export quote is growing more and more.
In the label of Franciacorta DOCG wines we can find some information of the time on lees, that permits to understand the quality of that wine:
Grapes for Franciacorta are grown in strictly delimited vineyards in the communes, Adro, Capriolo, Cazzago San Martino, Cellatica, Coccaglio, Cologne, Corte Franca, Erbusco, Gussago, Iseo, Monticelli Brusati, Ome, Paderno Franciacorta, Paratico, Passirano, Provaglio d’Iseo, Rodengo Saiano, Rovato and Brescia, with soil conditions described as mineral-rich, granular-sized, calcareous gravel and sandy morainal soils that cover a limestone bedrock.
The DOCG declared vineyards extend 2,200 hectares (5,400 acres) and the distribution of permitted grape varieties are 85% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot nero and 5% Pinot bianco.
Chardonnay is the undisputed leader of Franciacorta, accounting for more than 80% of the around 7,000 acres of the denomination’s vineyards, followed by Pinot Nero (approximately 15%) and Pinot Bianco (approximately 5%).
A number of producers have recently begun investing in Erbamat, a rare grape native to the Brescia area that’s shown promising results in raising acidity levels.
Thanks to the growing zone’s microclimate, Chardonnay delivers juicy, yellow stone-fruit flavors that turn tropical in warmer years. It’s the main grape found in most Franciacortas, but it plays the major role in Satèn, the soft, creamy sparkler made exclusively from white grapes and lower bottle pressure. A registered trademark of Franciacorta, most producers use only Chardonnay for Satèn, although a few also blend in a little Pinot Bianco.
Franciacorta boasts rich fruit flavors, a result of the overall balmy climate, but the area’s soils keep the wines in check.
This wine can be enjoyed as aperitivo, with main courses such as white fish dishes with polenta, spaghetti with clams, Penne with creamy aubergine sauce and ricotta salad, while the semi-dry version pairs well with spicy cheeses.
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