D4.C13. Franciacorta Flashcards
What is the importance of Franciacorta in terms of sparkling wine production in Italy?
Franciacorta is Italy’s largest producing region for traditional method sparkling wine
Where is Franciacorta located in Italy?
It is located in Lombardy in central northern Italy
Tasting notes for Franciacorta
- Ripe apple and peach fruit flavours
- Prominent biscuit-like, autolytic notes
- Medium alcohol
- Medium (+) acidity
What is the quality/price range for Franciacorta?
- Good or outstanding in quality
- Premium-priced
How are the still white and red wines made in the same area labelled?
Curtefranca DOC
How is the climate in Franciacorta?
Warm continental
What are the moderating factors on the climate in Franciacorta?
- Cool air descends in summer from the Alps that are to the north of the region
- Lake Iseo also exercises a moderating effect on daily
and seasonal temperature ranges
What is the effect of climate on the ripening period of grapes used to produce Franciacorta?
The climate contributes to fruit that ripens regularly while retaining its acidity
What are the viticultural hazards that can be seen in Franciacorta?
- Spring frost can be an issue in the most difficult years (e.g. 2017)
- Rain during spring can lead to problems with flowering and fruit set, and during the season in general to the need to combat downy mildew and botrytis
Is irrigation allowed in Franciacorta?
Yes, many growers also have irrigation installed and can use it if necessary
When is the harvest time in Franciacorta?
Picking is early (second half of August into September), thereby avoiding autumn rain
Is there a significant vintage variation in Francaicorta?
Vintage variation is limited – the rainy and cool 2014 being the exception
How many soil types are there in Franciacorta? What is its importance?
- Six main soil types have been identified
- It gives a range of expression in the base wines. The different soils variously emphasise the floral notes, the dried fruit notes and the spicy and vegetal notes
Which grapes are used to produce Franciacorta?
- Chardonnay 75%
- Pinot Noir
- Pinot Blanc
What is the minimum planting density for new vineyards in Franciacorta?
4,500 plants/ha
Which training systems are used in the past and now?
- Heavy cropping training systems (e.g.pergola and Geneva Double Curtain) used before are now prohibited
- Since the 1990s, cordon training with spur pruning or head training with replacement-cane pruning (Guyot) have become the norm
What is the percentage of organic vineyards in Franciacorta?
75%
How is the structure of the wine industry in Franciacorta?
- There are very few growers and no co-operatives
- As a result, nearly all the grapes are estate-grown
What are the regulations for pressing for white, rosé and for red wines (for blending to make rosé) in Franciacorta?
- White wine must be whole bunch pressed to ensure high-quality juice with low phenolic content
- Pinot Noir for rosé wines and for red wines (for blending to make rosé) can be destemmed
What is the maximum permitted yield after pressing in Franciacorta?
65 hL/ha
What is the vessel of choice for the fermentation and aging the Franciacorta wines? Why?
Stainless steel to preserve primary fruit
Old oak is used for fermentation and aging for which types of Franciacorta wines?
Especially in Millesimato and Riserva wines
Is malolactic conversion performed for Franciacorta?
Practice varies with regard to whether or not wines go through malolactic conversion
Is usage of reserve wines common for Franciacorta?
- For smaller producers, the use of reserve wines is rare, though larger producers do use reserve wines
- Most wines are in practice vintage wines
