Transition . More than a color, pink is a suspended state of mind, like a delicate transition between white and red chasing each other, without ever being either one or the other. Franciacorta Rosé offers a magic poised between two shades. The rosé color is obtained after a short maceration of the red Pinot Noir grapes. Only a few hours to get that particular shade that evokes spring sunsets: you have to seize the moment, one moment the color is too light, the next it's too dark. And then the delicate encounter with Chardonnay and a slow, patient maturation. Cuvée Prestige Rosé, the ideal Franciacorta for the most important occasions. Especially the most romantic ones.
Straw yellow in colour. The nose brings back notes of sponge cake, butter and biscuits to anticipate fresher tones of cedar and lime, with hints of pineapple and peach. On the palate it is creamy, enveloping and typical for the type, crossed by a lively sapid-acid fusion that underlines a rare pleasantness, with a long aromatic finish. Pairing: Excellent with grilled mackerel fillet, stuffed squid, stewed cod but also for a glamorous aperitif!
Dopo una rigorosa selezione dei grappoli ed una leggera pigiatura, la fermentazione del mosto avviene, in tini di rovere naturale da 32hl. In seguito al tiraggio in primavera, trascorre un periodo di oltre 72 mesi sui lieviti e dopo la sboccatura trascorrono almeno 6 mesi prima della messa in commercio.
Il Franciacorta Satèn Vintage Collection di Ca' del Bosco nasce in vigneti situati tra i verdi paesaggi e le dolci colline di Erbusco, nel cuore del magico terroir della Franciacorta, la culla morenica a Sud del lago d'Iseo. E' prodotto al 85% con uve Chardonnay, al 15% con uve Pinot Bianco, raccolte unicamente a mano durante la prima e seconda decade di Agosto. La fermentazione avviene secondo il metodo classico con rifermentazione in bottiglia. Successivamente il vino affina sui lieviti per 48-52 mesi. Il Satèn Vintage Collection è caratterizzato da un colore giallo paglierino. Al naso si apre con profumi di pesca ed agrumi, arricchiti da piacaevoli sentori di miele. Al palato risulta elegante, piacevolmente fresco e sapido, con una delicata effervescenza. Perfetto per accompagnare antipasti, affettati e salumi, è ideale in abbinamento a piatti a base di pesce e crostacei.
Come le armoniche note di una complessa partitura d'orchestra, ogni fase della produzione deve essere eseguita seguendo i tempi e le cadenze che la perfezione richiede. Vintage Collection Dosage Zéro non ha alcuna aggiunta di liqueur d'expédition (sciroppo di dosaggio aggiunto in minima quantità negli altri Franciacorta durante la fase di dégorgement). Un Franciacorta puro, sincero, frutto della migliore espressione di uno straordinario terroir e dell'uomo che ne ha intuito il carattere e le potenzialità. Destinato a quel pubblico di conoscitori che amano questo stile. Eccellente aperitivo, ottimo per accompagnare frutti di mare e pesce crudo.
L’essenza di un sapere lungo trent’anni. L'amore per la propria terra. La migliore espressione dei suoli della Franciacorta. Esperienze ed intuizioni che, una vendemmia dopo l’altra, consentono di entrare a fondo nell’intima conoscenza della materia prima, l’uva, e del lungo processo di trasformazione che la rende vino.
Straw yellow in colour. The nose brings back notes of sponge cake, butter and biscuits to anticipate fresher tones of cedar and lime, with hints of pineapple and peach. On the palate it is creamy, enveloping and typical for the type, crossed by a lively sapid-acid fusion that underlines a rare pleasantness, with a long aromatic finish. Pairing: Excellent with grilled mackerel fillet, stuffed squid, stewed cod but also for a glamorous aperitif!
Straw yellow color with golden reflections with a very fine perlage and excellent persistence. Aromatic, intense, with an evolved bouquet with notes of toasting and yeast. Complex to the taste, it reveals a good structure and a nice acidity. Very persistent. Franciacorta Audens Dosaggio Zero comes from clonal selections of Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir grapes. Harvested by hand in small crates, very slow and soft pressing of the whole bunches. Controlled fermentation at 17° – 19° with indigenous yeasts. Maturation in stainless steel tanks. In the months of March and April, the bottle is transferred for the second fermentation which lasts for at least 25 months.
Franciacorta 'Parosé' Pas Dosé Mosnel is a non-dosed Franciacorta rosé. The partial vinification in barrique and the rest of at least 36 months on the lees soften the fleshy features of the fruit in supple figures outlined by the notes of currant, pomegranate and mandarin.
The Spumante Franciacorta Pas Dosé from the Il Mosnel winery was born in vineyards located in the municipality of Passirano, in the heart of the Franciacorta DOCG. It is mainly produced with Chardonnay grapes and with Pinot Bianco and Pinot Nero grapes, harvested by hand between the last week of August and the first ten days of September. Fermentation takes place partly in stainless steel tanks and partly in barriques, at a controlled temperature. Subsequently the wine ages in the bottle for about 30 months before being placed on the market.
Meticulous selection of the grapes, with subsequent soft pressing and fermentation of the must at a controlled temperature. The sparkling base ages for 7 months in steel on the lees. At the end a long refermentation in the bottle for 30 months which leads the wine to have a more intense and decisive body. Pouring it into the glass, it reveals itself with beautiful straw-colored nuances with marked floral scents and flan bread crust. The excellence of Franciacorta from the Le Vedute house, expression of balance and very long persistence.
Grape selection. Subsequently they are cold macerated for 12 hours, and pressed. The sparkling base obtained ages for 7 months in steel on the fine lees. To complete the production cycle, another long refinement in the bottle for 26 months. Pouring it into the glass, it reveals itself with beautiful soft pink nuances, and begins to inebriate with hints of red and black fruits, such as blueberry and cherry. On the palate then a wonderful balance between the acidic note and the tannins, which make it an excellent accompanying sparkling wine.
Meticulous selection of the grapes, with subsequent soft pressing and fermentation of the must at a controlled temperature. The sparkling base ages for 7 months in steel on the lees. At the end a long refermentation in the bottle for 30 months which leads the wine to have a more intense and decisive body. Pouring it into the glass, it reveals itself with beautiful straw-colored nuances with marked floral scents and flan bread crust. The excellence of Franciacorta from the Le Vedute house, expression of balance and very long persistence.
Grape selection. Following a soft and delicate pressing with a fermentation in steel at a controlled temperature, while partly in barriques. The sparkling base is aged on the lees for 7 months. While the aging on the lees lasts another 24 months in the bottle. Beautiful cloudy straw yellow colour. Fine and persistent perlage. On the nose it has floral hints of white flowers which complement the hints of bread crust and yeasts. On the palate it is very persistent due to the part of the wine that is barricaded; with a good persistence given by the acidic content.
The butterfly as a symbol of elegance. A light and persuasive flight. A moment that wants to be captured as an expression of nature in its most aesthetic form. Grape selection. This is followed by a soft and delicate pressing with fermentation in steel at a controlled temperature. The sparkling base is aged on the lees for 6 months. While the aging on the lees lasts another 18 - 24 months in the bottle. Beautiful bright and luminous straw yellow colour. Fine and persistent perlage. On the nose it has floral hints of white flowers which complement the hints of bread crust. On the palate it is very complex and balanced with good acidity and bubbles that make it drinkable.
Cuvée made only in exceptional years, when Pinot Noir reaches perfection, Mariella is a unique and unforgettable bubble that anyone who loves the genre cannot miss. A blend composed of 90% Pinto Nero and the remaining 10% Chardonnay, Mariella ages for 62 to 70 months according to the Classic Method and stands out for its elegance and complexity, given by the subtle balance between the austerity of Pinot Noir and the softness of Chardonnay, characteristics that give it a remarkable expressive richness and a prominent place in the Franciacorta panorama.
A perfumed wine, which conquers for its original gustatory freshness. The style is played on the search for harmony between complexity and pleasantness. The color is straw yellow, with a fine and persistent perlage. The nose is fresh and elegant, with clear aromas of hawthorn, bread crust, balsamic notes, nuances of rennet apple, dried figs and peanuts. Soft in the mouth, but not sweet, it has a fresh and pleasant taste. The finish is long and decisive, of great gustatory pleasure.
Empty wooden box of 6 bottles of Dosaggio Zero sparkling wine BC 2011 Franciacorta Riserva DOCG - Bosio with sliding lid
Reserve of an intense yellow color, it has a very fine perlage, a complex bouquet that ranges from floral to ripe fruit with spicy and yeast notes.
Even in Contadi Castaldi 's Brut, as in all the other products, chardonnay has an absolute protagonist role. The result is a sparkling wine rich in fragrance, never predictable, which favors smoothness and an accessible sensorial language. A Franciacorta with a balanced and versatile style, perfect for any occasion.
Alma Cuvée is born from the skilful union of about 60 of the 120 harvest selections obtained in the cellar. About 100 selections come from the same harvest and are identified with extreme care in 107 parcels distributed in 10 different municipalities of Franciacorta ("horizontal assembly"). To this vast patrimony of olfactory and gustatory variations are then added the aromas and flavors of particular "reserve wines" from different harvests ("vertical assembly"). A unique cuvée, which with its elegant complexity represents the most complete and often mysterious soul of Franciacorta.
The Franciacorta DOCG Cuvèe Brut "Alma" by Bellavista comes from the skilful union of about 60 of the 120 harvest selections obtained in the cellar. About 100 selections come from the same harvest and are identified with extreme care in 107 parcels distributed in 10 different municipalities of Franciacorta ("horizontal assembly"). To this vast patrimony of olfactory and gustatory variants are then added the aromas and flavors of particular "reserve wines" from different vintages ("vertical assembly"). A unique cuvée, which with its elegant complexity represents the most complete and often mysterious soul of Franciacorta.
It is told through a sensory profile that evolves giving altogether sapidity, freshness, finesse, elegance and agility: the result is simply superlative, given by the Franciacorta Non Dosato "Alma Grande Cuvée", labeled Bellavista . A bubble that wants to become the symbol of the purest essence of the lands of Franciacorta, proposing a sip with which Bellavista drops its mask, retracing its history in a contemporary key. Here then is that every detail - label included - becomes a reference to the concept of harmony, both external and connected to the precious content. The apparent - and intended - aesthetic minimalism, again, finally connects with a Franciacorta that remains suspended in time, as if to recall the impossibility of finding glasses of a similar caliber.
Absolute . Free from all limits, a constantly evolving value. Like the exclusive commitment necessary to create this Franciacorta dedicated to Annamaria Clementi, founder of Ca 'del Bosco and mother of Maurizio Zanella. No compromises, no concessions. Only the best of the grapes selected in the various crus are predestined for this symbolic wine. And only in the best years. Meticulous vinification and a very long refinement in the bottle that lasts for at least seven years in contact with the yeasts: this is how a great wine is created, a unicum with a magnificent golden color and very fine perlage. A perfume of extraordinary complexity, a flavor of exceptional fullness and persistence. An absolute Franciacorta.
Transition . More than a color, pink is a suspended state of mind, like a delicate transition between white and red chasing each other, without ever being either one or the other. Franciacorta Rosé offers a magic poised between two shades. The rosé color is obtained after a short maceration of the red Pinot Noir grapes. Only a few hours to get that particular shade that evokes spring sunsets: you have to seize the moment, one moment the color is too light, the next it's too dark. And then the delicate encounter with Chardonnay and a slow, patient maturation. Cuvée Prestige Rosé, the ideal Franciacorta for the most important occasions. Especially the most romantic ones.
Fruit of all the attention and care that distinguish the production of Bellavista , Franciacorta Rosé is born from an assembly of the best grapes of pinot noir and chardonnay, a sparkling wine where the structure of the first meets the grace of the second. The essence of pinot noir not only gives color an important role of tonality and stability, but also becomes the elusive, delicate and constant taste-olfactory trait that makes a graceful masterpiece of nature distinctive. An extraordinary Franciacorta, whose permanence in the cellar is at least 5 years.
The Gran Cuvée millesimato of Bellavista differs from the traditional Bruts not only for the quality of the raw material that is used but also and above all for the fact that over a quarter of the wines from which it is made matures for seven months in small oak barrels. Bellavista 's Franciacorta DOCG Brut is in fact a magnificent Franciacorta for stature and balance, the result of a not abundant vintage but of excellent quality. A mythical sparkling wine.
The result of a rigorous selection in the vineyard, Bellavista 's “Gran Cuvée” Satèn is produced in very limited quantities. It is in fact the first Italian experience in the creation of a great Franciacorta designed thanks to the ancient technology of "small barrels" with the aim of enhancing and interpreting, through a style that can be defined as "feminine", the chardonnay from the best Bellavista vineyards. The result is a velvety and enthralling sparkling wine, a true paradigm among the Satèn of Franciacorta.
The Franciacorta for those who do not like compromises, the Dosaggio Zero is certainly the most vertical, direct, lashing one. A sparkling wine with a great personality, made up of a selection of Pinot Noir from a specific morainic soil that gives the grapes the characteristic savory notes that we find in the glass. Inevitable.
The Franciacorta Pas Operé by Bellavista is a full-bodied and intense classic method sparkling wine, not dosed, coming from historical vineyards and aged on the lees in the bottle for 72 months. Aromatic hints of ripe yellow fruit and citrus jam enrich a fresh, toasted and mineral taste, with character and personality
Franciacorta: The Brut Wine of Lombard Excellence that Conquers the World
Franciacorta is not only a prestigious wine region located in the heart of Lombardy, but is also synonymous with a high quality sparkling wine produced according to the classic method. This article is a journey to discover Franciacorta Brut, an Italian sparkling wine that takes its name from its region of origin and which, thanks to its refinement and complexity, is able to compete on the same level as champagne. If you are a lover of good wine or simply curious to find out more about this excellent product, this is why it is worth dedicating a few minutes to reading this in-depth analysis.
What Makes Franciacorta Brut Unique?
Franciacorta Brut stands out for its elegance and finesse, the result of a careful winemaking process that follows the classic method, similar to that of champagne. The base of this sparkling wine is made up of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and, sometimes, Pinot Bianco grapes, coming exclusively from the Franciacorta area. Production follows rigorous quality standards which include fermentation in the bottle and a period of aging on the yeasts which gives the wine complexity and a rich aromatic palette.
The Cellar: Heart of Franciacorta Production
The cellars of Franciacorta are not just places of production, but true temples where tradition and cutting-edge technology are combined. Visiting a winery in Franciacorta means immersing yourself in a world where every phase of the production process is taken care of in detail, from pressing the grapes to fermentation, up to refinement in the bottle. The most prestigious wineries, such as Bellavista and Guido Berlucchi, also offer tastings that allow you to discover the variety and richness of Franciacorta wines.
Franciacorta DOCG: Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin
The DOCG brand (Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) is a guarantee of quality that certifies the origin of the grapes and adherence to a very rigorous production specification. Franciacorta was among the first Italian wines to receive this prestigious denomination, recognition of its excellence and its ancient history.
Rosé and Satèn: Variations on the Theme
Franciacorta comes in different typologies, including Rosé and Satèn. Rosé, obtained mainly from Pinot Noir grapes, is characterized by its color and a more structured taste. Satèn, on the other hand, is a creamier and softer sparkling wine, the result of a selection of only white grapes and less pressure during the second fermentation. Both variants offer a unique tasting experience, an expression of the diversity and richness of the territory.
The Best Wines of Franciacorta: How to Choose Them
Choosing the best Franciacorta may seem like a daunting task given the vast range of labels available. It is essential to consider the type of occasion, personal preferences in terms of taste and the desired complexity of the wine. Vintage cuvées, produced with grapes from a single year, are often considered of superior quality thanks to their uniqueness and their ability to tell the characteristics of a single year.
The Production Specifications: Tradition and Innovation
The Franciacorta DOCG production specification establishes precise rules for winemaking, from the composition of the grapes to the duration of refinement. This guarantees that each bottle of Franciacorta respects the high quality standards that have made this wine famous throughout the world. At the same time, wineries are encouraged to experiment and innovate, always respecting tradition, to offer consumers always new and surprising experiences.
Terroir: The Influence of Territory on Wine
The concept of terroir is fundamental in the production of Franciacorta. The territory, with its particular climate and its soil rich in minerals, plays a crucial role in giving the wine those unique and unrepeatable characteristics. The proximity to Lake Iseo mitigates temperatures and favors the ripening of the grapes, contributing to the freshness and elegance that are trademarks of Franciacorta.
Online Sales: Franciacorta just a click away
The digital age has also opened new frontiers for the sale of Franciacorta wines, making them accessible to a wider audience through online sales. Online wine shops, specialized sites and the wineries themselves offer the possibility of easily purchasing these prestigious wines, with detailed information on the labels and vintages available.
Guido Berlucchi: The Pioneer of Franciacorta
The history of Franciacorta sparkling wine officially began in the 1960s with Guido Berlucchi, the pioneer who, together with the oenologist Franco Ziliani, experimented for the first time with the production of a classic method wine in Franciacorta. This experiment marked the beginning of a wine revolution that led Franciacorta to be recognized and appreciated throughout the world.
The Future of Franciacorta: Between Tradition and Innovation
The future of Franciacorta appears bright, with a growing focus on sustainability and technological innovation. Wineries are increasingly committed to producing wines that reflect not only quality and excellence, but also respect for the environment and the territory. At the same time, the passion and dedication of the winemakers ensure that the Franciacorta tradition continues to evolve, promising new and fascinating wine discoveries.
Key Points to Remember
- Franciacorta Brut is a high quality sparkling wine produced according to the classic method, famous for its elegance and finesse.
- The DOCG denomination guarantees the origin and quality of Franciacorta.
- The Franciacorta area, with its unique terroir, is fundamental in giving the wine its distinctive characteristics.
- Online sales have made Franciacorta wines accessible to a wider audience, facilitating the discovery and purchase of these Italian wine excellences.
- Tradition and innovation go hand in hand in the production of Franciacorta, promising a future full of new and fascinating expressions of this prestigious wine.
This journey into the world of Franciacorta Brut shows us how tradition, passion and innovation intertwine to create excellent wines, capable of telling the history and terroir of one of the most prestigious wine regions in Italy.
The best Franciacorta wines from famous wineries
Bellavista
- Bellavista Alma Gran Cuvée Brut
- Bellavista Alma Gran Cuvée Rosé
- Bellavista Reserve Vigna Uccellanda
Ca' del Bosco
- Ca' del Bosco Cuvée Prestige
- Ca' del Bosco Rosé Brut
- Ca' del Bosco Vintage Collection Brut
Guido Berlucchi
- Guido Berlucchi '61 Brut
- Guido Berlucchi '61 Rosé
- Guido Berlucchi Palazzo Lana Extreme Reserve
Enrico Gatti
- Enrico Gatti Brut Millesimato
- Enrico Gatti Rosé Millesimato
- Enrico Gatti Founder's Reserve
Mount Renic
- Mount Renic Brut
- Monte Renic Rosé
- Monte Renic Pas Dosé Millesimato
These are just some examples of the best Franciacorta wines produced by the most renowned wineries in the region. Each winery has its own production philosophy and its iconic labels, made with great care and passion to maximize the unique terroir of Franciacorta. Tasting these fine sparkling wines is an unmissable experience for all lovers of quality wine.
The Different Types of Franciacorta
Franciacorta comes in different types, each with unique characteristics that make it suitable for different occasions and gastronomic combinations. Here are the main types of Franciacorta:
Franciacorta Brut It is the most widespread and representative type. It is a dry sparkling wine, with a low percentage of residual sugar, which makes it ideal as an aperitif or to accompany light and delicate dishes. It is produced with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Blanc grapes.
Franciacorta Satèn This version stands out for its elegant creaminess and very fine perlage. It is produced using only Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grapes, giving it a softer and more delicate character than Brut. Perfect to accompany creamy risottos and fish-based dishes.
Franciacorta Rosé As the name suggests, it has a pale pink color thanks to the addition of a small percentage of Pinot Noir grapes. It is a fresh and fruity wine, ideal for accompanying fish or white meat dishes.
Franciacorta Millesimato Produced only in the best years with grapes coming from a single harvest, it represents the excellence of Franciacorta. It has a more complex structure and superior aging potential, perfect for accompanying elaborate dishes and mature cheeses.
Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero or Pas Dosé In this type no shipping liquid is added at the end of the refermentation, resulting in an extremely dry and mineral wine. Appreciated by connoisseurs for its purity.
Franciacorta Riserva These are wines subjected to prolonged aging on the yeasts, usually no less than 5 years. They have a superior aromatic complexity and a richer, fuller-bodied structure.
Each type of Franciacorta therefore offers a unique tasting experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the different nuances of this precious Italian sparkling wine.
The Franciacorta DOCG Production Regulations
Franciacorta is subjected to rigorous production regulations which guarantee its excellence and uniqueness. Here are the main aspects of the Franciacorta DOCG production specifications:
Production area The wine must be produced within the area delimited by the specification, which includes 19 municipalities in the province of Brescia. At least 85% of the grapes used must come from this area, while the remaining 15% can be integrated with grapes from other areas of Lombardy.
Allowed vines The specifications provide specific percentages of admitted vines. The white Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc grapes can make up up to 100% of the blend, while Pinot Noir (red berry) can be present in a maximum percentage of 30%.
Production method Franciacorta must be produced strictly following the classic method or traditional method, which involves a second fermentation inside the same bottle in which it will then be marketed. This process, also known as "bottle refermentation", gives the wine its characteristic effervescence and creaminess.
Aging The specifications establish minimum aging times on the yeasts for the different types of Franciacorta. For example, for Franciacorta Brut the refinement cannot be less than 18 months, while for Franciacorta Millesimato it is at least 30 months.
Oenological practices The oenological practices allowed during production are defined, such as the use of specific yeasts, the addition of draft and shipping liquids, and the techniques of remuage (rotation of the bottles) and dégorgement (disgorgement).
Labeling In order to carry the Franciacorta DOCG denomination on the label, the wine must respect all the parameters established by the specification, both in terms of production and analytical and organoleptic characteristics.
This rigorous specification guarantees that each bottle of Franciacorta is the result of a scrupulous production process attentive to tradition, thus ensuring the maximum quality and typicality of this precious Italian sparkling wine.
