📍 Franciacorta

Franciacorta is a hilly area in Lombardy, south of Lake Iseo, in the province of Brescia. It is known for sparkling wines made by the traditional method, as in Champagne, with the second fermentation in the bottle. Its sparkling wines gained DOCG status in 1995.

Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc are allowed, with Chardonnay dominant. Erbamat is an old local white grape added in small amounts, helping keep acidity in warm years. Curtefranca is the name for the area's still wines, and also for its hills.

The rules are strict. Non-vintage wine spends at least 18 months on the lees and is released no earlier than 25 months after harvest. Satèn is a special style from white grapes only, with softer bubbles and lower pressure. Vintage (Millesimato) and Riserva wines age longer still. Pink sparkling wine is called Rosé.

Moraine hills left by a glacier give varied soils, and the lake softens the climate. It is Italy's main sparkling zone, comparable to Champagne in style and price. Franciacorta is best served well chilled in a tulip-shaped glass rather than a narrow flute. It pairs well with appetisers, fish, rice with vegetables and soft cheeses; the dry versions are labelled Brut, and the driest Pas Dosé.