13. Franciacorta

Question 1

In which region is Franciacorta located?

Answer 1

Lombardy.

Question 2

The still white and red wines made in the same area are labelled as which DOC?

Answer 2

Curtefranca DOC

Question 3

What is the name of the lake at the northern boundary of Franciacorta’s vineyards?

Answer 3

Lake Iseo.

Question 4

What is the climate of Franciacorta?

Answer 4

Warm continental.

Question 5

What are the two moderating effects of temperature in Franciacorta?

Answer 5

1) Lake Iseo
2) Cool air descends in summer from the alps that are in the north.

Question 6

What is the vineyard topography of Franciacorta?

Answer 6

Vineyards are planted on gentle slopes.

Question 7

What is the main weather hazard?

Answer 7

Spring frost.

Question 8

In what two seasons does the majority of rain fall in Franciacorta?

Answer 8

Autumn and winter.

Question 9

Rain can pose problems to which two stages of the vine’s growth cycle?

Answer 9

1) Flowering
2) Fruit set

Question 10

What are the two main disease pressures?

Answer 10

1) Downy mildew
2) Botrytis

Question 11

Is irrigation permitted?

Answer 11

Yes

Question 12

How many soil types have been identified in Franciacorta?

Answer 12

Six.

Question 13

What is the dominant grape variety planted in Franciacorta?

Answer 13

Chardonnay (75%)

Question 14

Besides Chardonnay what two other varieties are planted?

Answer 14

1) Pinot Noir
2) Pinot Blanc

Question 15

What are the two normal training systems?

Answer 15

1) Cordon with spur pruning
2) Head with replacement cane (Guyot)

Question 16

What is the maximum permitted yield?

Answer 16

65 hL/ha

Question 17

Whole bunch pressing is required by regulation for all wines except which style?

Answer 17

Pinot Noir for rose.

Question 18

Fermentation is commonly in which vessel type?

Answer 18

Stainless steel.

Question 19

For added complexity, Riserva and Millesimato wines may be fermented in what vessel type?

Answer 19

Old oak.

Question 20

Non-vintage Franciacorta must spend a minimum term on lees of how many months?

Answer 20

18 months.

Question 21

Non-vintage Franciacorta may have a maximum of what per cent of Pinot Blanco?

Answer 21

50%

Question 22

Saten must spend a minimum term on lees of how many months?

Answer 22

24 months

Question 23

Saten must have a maximum pressure of?

Answer 23

Five atmospheres.

Question 24

Saten must be made in which style only? (Sweetness/dosage)

Answer 24

Brut.

Question 25

Saten must be made only from black or white grapes?

Answer 25

White

Question 26

Rose Franciacorta must be at least what per cent of Pinot Noir?

Answer 26

35%

Question 27

How is colour introduced for rose Franciacorta? (3)

Answer 27

1) Direct pressing
2) Short maceration
3) Blending

Question 28

Rose Franciacorta must spend a minimum term on lees of how many months?

Answer 28

24 months

Question 29

Millesimato must spend a minimum term on lees of how many months?

Answer 29

30 months

Question 30

Millesimato must be made from what per cent fruit from the declared vintage?

Answer 30

85%

Question 31

What is a Riserva Franciacorta?

Answer 31

A Millesimato that has spent a minimum of 60 months on lees.

Question 32

What is the name of the Franciacorta industry body?

Answer 32

Franciacorta Consorzio.

Question 33

What is the trend of Franciacorta production?

Answer 33

Increasing (doubled between 2007-2016)

Question 34

What per cent of Franciacorta is exported?

Answer 34

10%

Question 35

What are the four principal export markets for Franciacorta?

Answer 35

1) Switzerland
2) Japan
3) Germany
4) USA