Franciacorta sparkling wines to drink
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 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
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.
Franciacorta to try
Related content:
Great value Champagne made by growers – panel tasting results
The top wine was under £30-a-bottle...
Top Barbera d’Asti wines – panel tasting results
See what our judges thought about Barbera d'Asti in this panel tasting from the May 2017 issue of Decanter magazine...
Find the best Prosecco for your Christmas party
Find one to try...
Five sparkling wine regions to visit
Where better to try some sparkling wine than touring the regions that make it?
Monte Rossa, Cabochon Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy, 2005
95
The serious side of franciacorta, this is full of toasted nuts, caramel and butter with nut brittle on the nose and palate. Youthful energy and bubbles but with toasty depth for flavour.
2005
Monte RossaFranciacorta
Fratelli Berlucchi, Freccianera Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy, 2011
91
Fratelli Berlucchi is run by the current generation of the Berlucchi family, five brothers. Their wines are made from estate fruit and aged in their ancient frescoed cellars, parts of which date back to the 12th century. It was in this historic setting that their Freccianera Brut 2011 spent 55 months on its lees before disgorgement. Made from Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir, it has a nutty, toasty and creamy character complemented by fresh green apple, almond and citrus flavours. A beautifully balanced wine which entices with its richness and rewards with its freshness.
2011
Fratelli BerlucchiFranciacorta
Castello di Gussago La Santissima, Rosé, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy, 2012
90
Grapes grown using biological viticultural methods are fermented in stainless steel tanks, then the wine is aged on its lees in bottle for 30 months. This delicate pink fizz has a beautiful red fruit character with a lip-smacking raspberry acidity. Fresh and vibrant, the lees give it a softness that works so well against the near-tartness of the fruit. A pure expression.
2012
Castello di Gussago La SantissimaFranciacorta
Corteaura, Brut, Franciacorta, Lombardy, Italy
90
Franciacorta deserves more recognition for its sophisticated sparklings, especially when they cost less than £20, like this. Made from Chardonnay with two years’ ageing on its lees, it’s soft and expressive with green apple and lemon fruit. The palate is light and fresh with an attractive zesty finish.
CorteauraFranciacorta
Bellavista, Franciacorta, Satèn, Lombardy, Italy, 2011
89
A 100% Chardonnay made in the locally termed satèn style, which means the fizz has a little less pressure akin to a crémant. It has a soft, gentle acidity with a deft, creamy roundness and light to medium weight and structure. It has apple and honeydew melon flavours with a touch of acacia and bread. This is charmingly good to go now and for the next two years.
2011
BellavistaFranciacorta
