Franciacorta is one of Italy's best kept sparkling wine secrets. Here, our experts have recommended five to try...
Like Crémants in France, Franciacorta exists slightly below the radar in the sparkling wine world. But it is gaining plaudits among critics and is often described as Italy’s answer to Champagne.
So, if you’re looking to branch out from Prosecco or Champagne, our tasters have found some bottles that could satisfy your adventurous streak.
Scroll down to see our Franciacorta recommendations
Franciacorta DOCG styles at a glance
Franciacorta was granted DOCG status in 1995, covering just over 2,000 hectares of vines in the district of Brescia in Lombardy, located in central northern Italy.
Grape varieties that can be used to make the Italian sparkling wine are two of the classic Champagne varieties of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, plus also Pinot Blanc.
Franciacorta is produced using the ‘traditional method’ – the same as for Champagne – with a secondary fermentation taking place in the bottle. Contrastingly, most Prosecco is made using the ‘tank method’, where secondary fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks before bottling.
Franciacorta NV
A non-vintage wine which must be released no earlier than 25 months after harvest, with a minimum of 18 months on its lees.
Franciacorta NV
A non-vintage wine which must be released no earlier than 25 months after harvest, with a minimum of 18 months on its lees.
Franciacorta Satèn
A blanc de blancs version that must have a minimum 50% Chardonnay, combined with up to 50% Pinot Blanc. The pressure is lowered to under 5 atmospheres for a gentler, crémant-like sparkle. It must be aged for at least 24 months on its lees.
Franciacorta Satèn
A blanc de blancs version that must have a minimum 50% Chardonnay, combined with up to 50% Pinot Blanc. The pressure is lowered to under 5 atmospheres for a gentler, crémant-like sparkle. It must be aged for at least 24 months on its lees.
Franciacorta Rosé
Must have at least 25% Pinot Noir in the base wine and spend a minimum of 24 months on its lees
Franciacorta Rosé
Must have at least 25% Pinot Noir in the base wine and spend a minimum of 24 months on its lees
Millesimato
The product of a single vintage, which must be aged for a minimum of 30 months on its lees and cannot be released until at least 37 months after harvest.
Millesimato
The product of a single vintage, which must be aged for a minimum of 30 months on its lees and cannot be released until at least 37 months after harvest.
Riserva
The pinnacle of the Franciacorta pyramid. Requires at least 60 months ageing on its lees.
Riserva
The pinnacle of the Franciacorta pyramid. Requires at least 60 months ageing on its lees.
Franciacorta to try
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