Franciacorta Sparkling Wine

Franciacorta is the largest region that produces sparkling wine by the traditional method (as in Champagne) in Italy in the Lombardy region. The key grapes are again Champagne varieties, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and a tiny bit of Pinot Blanc. One other similarity with Champagne worth noting is for their roses. It is often thought that Champagne is the only region in the EU that can blend red and white wines to make a rose, as well as through maceration or direct pressing. However, Franciacorta is also allowed to do this!

Currently, the region is heading towards 100% organic winemaking. One premium style to look out for is 'Saten', a Blanc de Blancs that spends 24 months on its lees in a Brut sweetness. 'Riserva' wines are vintages that spend a whopping 60 months on lees giving them very bready, autolytic qualities, but also meaning that they command high prices indeed.