Franciacorta

Question 1

What is Italys largest producing region for Traditional Method sparkling wine?

Answer 1

Franciacorta

Question 2

Franciacorta is typically made from what grapes?

Answer 2

Chardonnay & Pinot Noir

Question 3

What Italian region is Franciacorta made in?

Answer 3

Lombardy (Central Northern Italy)

Question 4

What is the climate in Lombardy for Franciacorta production?

Answer 4

Warm continental with moderating influences.

Question 5

What body of water acts as a moderating influence on the Lombardy region?

Answer 5

Lake Iseo

Question 6

Is vintage variation a major issue, as it is in Champagne?

Answer 6

No, consistently warm weather, matched by the lake effect by lake Iseo make grape ripening and acidity retention much more consistant.

Question 7

What are the soil types outlined by the WSET for Franciacorta production?

Answer 7

“6 major soil types” formed though the action of glaciers. None of the 6 are mentioned by name.

Question 8

What is the dominant grape used for Franciacorta production? (2)

Answer 8

Chardonnay (75%) , Pinot Noir (% not listed), Pinot Blanc is also listed as an approved grape varietal.

Question 9

What is the major vineyard regulation difference between Franciacorta production and tank method productions in Italy?

Answer 9

New regulations no longer prohibit the use of “heavy cropping training systems” (Pergola/Geneva Double Curtain). Since the 1990’s, cordon training, and guyot training have been the norm.

Question 10

How must grapes be pressed for Franciacorta production?

Answer 10

Whole bunch pressing is the only style of pressing approved for Franciacorta production. The only exception to this rule is Franciacorta Rose, which can be made from Pinot Noir that has been de-stemmed).

Question 11

What is the maximum permitted yield for Franciacorta?

Answer 11

65 hL/ha. (Compared to Champagnes 79 hL/ha).

Question 12

Most wines in Franciacorta are from a single vintage, though most will not be labelled as such because of the long time on lees required by wines sold as Millesimato.

Question 13

Standard Franciacorta must be made in the traditional method. What is the minimum time Franciacorta must spend on the lees?

Answer 13

18 Months. (Compared to Champagnes 15 months.)

Question 14

What are the 5 Wine Styles associated with Franciacorta production?

Answer 14

Non-vintage, Saten, Rose, Millesimato and Riserva

Question 15

Non-Vintage Franciacorta?

Answer 15

Typically Chardonnay/Pinot Noir blends, with up to 50% Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc). The must have minimum 18 months on lees. Most wines are, however, taken from a single vintage.

Question 16

Saten Franciacorta?

Answer 16

White grapes only. Typically 100% Chardonnay, however Pinot Bianco (Blanc) is permitted. Wines must age on the lees for a minimum of 24 months. Wines are made with slightly lower tirage, resulting in wines that are no higher then 5 atmospheres of pressure. Only Brut style is permitted.

Question 17

Rose Franciacorta?

Answer 17

Minimum 35% Pinot Noir. Typically a blend of Chardonnay & Pinot Noir. Color can be extracted by Pinot Noir either by direct pressing or short maceration on the skins. Blending (saignee) is also permitted. Minimum 24 months is required on the lees.

Question 18

Millesimato Franciacorta?

Answer 18

Wines with the vintage declared. Must be made with atleast 85% fruit from that year, and must spend a minimum of 30 months on the lees.

Question 19

Riserva Franciacorta?

Answer 19

Millesimato wines (vintage wines) that has spent a minimum of 60 months on the lees).

Question 20

What is the governing body for Franciacorta production?

Answer 20

The Franciacorta Consorzio

Question 21

What is significant about the growth rate of Franciacorta in the last ten years? (2007-2015)?

Answer 21

Total production has more then doubled.