8. Franciacorta

Question 1

Where is Franciacorta located?

Answer 1

Lombardy in central northern Italy

Question 2

What is the typical flavour profile?

Answer 2

Ripe apple and peach fruit, prominent biscuit autolytic notes.
Medium alcohol and medium+ acidity

Question 3

What are still wines made in the Franciacorta region called?

Answer 3

Curtefranca DOC

Question 4

What is the name of the lake on the northern boundary of the region?

Answer 4

Lake Iseo

Question 5

What is the climate like in Franciacorta?

What are the moderating influences in the region?

Answer 5

Warm continental, with adequate rainfall mostly in winter and autumn.
Cool air from the Alps.
Lake Iseo

Question 6

What are the climatic risks associated with the region?

Answer 6

1. Spring rain can lead to problems at flowering and fruit set
2. Downy and Botrytis
3. Frost from the mist from the lake

Question 7

When is the harvest and why?

Answer 7

Early (August/Sept) to avoid autumn rain.

Question 8

What are the soils like?

Answer 8

Mixed - as they were formed through glacial movement. Six different soils types are vinified separately and then used as part of the blending process.

Question 9

What are the grape varieties used for Franciacorta?

Answer 9

Chardonnay (75%)

Pinot Noir mostly for the rest, and a tiny bit of Pinot Blanc.

Question 10

What are planting regulations in the region?

Answer 10

1. Minimum planting density of 4,500 vines per hectare

2. Heavy cropping training systems are prohibited

Question 11

Is organic viticulture important here?

Answer 11

Yes, about 75% of estates are organic and the region wants to be 100%

Question 12

What are maximum press yields?

Answer 12

65hL/ha

Question 13

How are the grapes pressed?

Answer 13

Whole bunch, as regulated.

Pinot can be destemmed for rose

Question 14

What fermentation vessels are used?

Answer 14

Mostly stainless steel to preserve freshness, but some old oak for Millesimato and Riserva

Question 15

MLF?

Answer 15

Sometimes

Question 16

Reserve wines?

Answer 16

Smaller producers no, but bigger houses will use some. Most wines are single vintage in practice, but generally not labelled as such.

Question 17

What are the five styles of Franciacorta?

Answer 17

1. Non-vintage
2. Saten
3. Rose
4. Millesimato
5. Riserva

Question 18

What are the regulations for Non-vintage Franciacorta?

Answer 18

Traditionally PN/Chard blends, up to 50% Pinot Bianco is allowed but rarely.
Minimum 18 months on lees

Question 19

What are the requirements for Saten Franciacorta?

Answer 19

White grapes only (mostly 100% Chard)
Brut.
Max 5 atmospheres of pressure (achieved by less sugar at tirage)
24 months on lees

Question 20

What are the requirements for rose Franciacorta?

Answer 20

35% Pinot Noir
Direct press/short maceration/blending all allowed.
24 months on lees

Question 21

What are the requirements for Millesimato Franciacorta?

Answer 21

Vintage declared, 85% from that vintage.

30 months on lees

Question 22

What are the requirements for Riserva Franciacorta?

Answer 22

Millesimato that has spent 60 months on lees

Question 23

Who is the governing body of Franciacorta?

Answer 23

The Franciacorta Consorzio

Question 24

Who are the three large companies that account for 1/3 of all production?

Answer 24

Guido Berlucchi
Ca’ del Bosco
Bellavista

Question 25

How is the ownership different to other Italian sparkling regions?

Answer 25

There are no co-ops, and almost all fruit is estate grown and produced. This leads to a focus on quality across the region.

Question 26

Who is the biggest market for Franciacorta?

Answer 26

90% domestic, mostly on-premise.