Franciacorta is a small hilly area in the province of Brescia, enclosed between Lake Iseo and the plain, formed by moraine deposits left by the glaciers. The name probably comes from the curtes francae, monastic lands exempt from duties in the Middle Ages. The production of traditional-method sparkling wine began here in the sixties; the DOC came in 1967 and the DOCG in 1995, the first in Italy devoted solely to a wine made by refermentation in bottle.
The grapes are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, with Pinot Blanc up to half of the blend and, since 2017, a small share of Erbamat, a local variety revived for its acidity. Basic Franciacorta ages for at least 18 months on the lees, Satèn and Rosé for 24, Millesimato for 30 and Riserva for 60. Satèn, a trademark of the appellation, is made from white grapes only with lower pressure, which makes it softer; the Rosé requires at least 35% Pinot Noir.
Fine, persistent bubbles, aromas of bread crust, dried fruit and citrus, good freshness: it can accompany a whole meal, from raw fish to risotto and cheeses that are not too aged.
