Franciacorta

Question 1

Introduction of Franciacorta.

Answer 1

In half a century, Franciacorta has established itself as a leading region for Italian bottle-fermented sparkling wine.
Producers are proud of their achievements in a relatively short space of time.
They showed great unity and decisiveness in agreeing a very strict set of regulations which are very closely modeled on Champagne.

Question 2

Location of Franciacorta.

Answer 2

Delimited area within the region of Lombardia (Lombardy).

Question 3

Climate of Franciacorta.

Answer 3

Warm continental climate with breezes from Lake d’Iseo.

Question 4

Vineyard of Franciacorta.

Answer 4

• Strict rules for acceptable sites: slopes with well drained soils are favored. Sites above 550m altitude are excluded as grapes would struggle to ripen sufficiently.
• High density planting. Pergolas and other big vine trellising techniques are not permitted for new plantings.
• Irrigation only permitted in extreme conditions.
• Maximum yield is 10 tonnes/hectare.
• Grapes must reach a potential alcohol of 9.5% abv.
• Hand harvesting only.

Question 5

Grapes of Franciacorta.

Answer 5

Pinot Nero, Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco.
Percentages vary depending on the style of wine.
Pinot Nero and Chardonnay are seen to be higher quality than Pinot Bianco.

Question 6

Winemaking of Franciacorta.

Answer 6

• Must be made by traditional method.
• A maximum juice yield is set similar to Champagne.
• Oak use permitted during primary fermentation.
• Producers can take extra juice as reserve wines in good years. Must be held at least 12 months before being used in future blends.
• Minimum lees ageing 18 months. Rose, Saten, Millesimato and Reserva wines have longer ageing requirements.
• Wines predominately made in a dry style. Only the standard white and rose can be made in a fill range of Dosaggio Zero to Demi-Sec styles.

Question 7

Important labelling terms of Franciacorta.

Answer 7

• Franciacorta doesn’t need to display DOCG on the label. Only a small number of EU wines, including Champagne, have been awarded this dispensation.
• Millesimato (vintage), Saten (Blanc de Blanc, must be less than 5 atm), Reserva (extra maturation).

Question 8

Important trade structures of Franciacorta.

Answer 8

Region of small producers. Approximately 110 producers. One producer (Berlucchi) is responsible for a quarter of annual production.