Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a wine region located in the Lombardy region of central-northern Italy. It is known for producing traditional sparkling wines made primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes. These wines are often compared to Champagne and are made to very high standards of viticulture and winemaking.
The sparkling wines from Franciacorta typically have a ripe apple and peach flavors and biscuit-like and autolytic notes. They have medium alcohol content and medium to high acidity.
The climate in Franciacorta is warm continental, with some cooler air coming down from the Alps in the summer. Lake Iseo also helps to moderate the temperature. However, in some years, there can be spring frost which can be a problem. Despite this, the climate is good for growing fruit that ripens regularly while retaining its acidity.
Most of the vineyards in Franciacorta are on gentle slopes, and the region gets adequate rainfall, with about half of it coming in the fall and winter. Spring rain can sometimes cause issues with the fruit, and growers may need to use irrigation. Harvest usually takes place in the second half of August into September to avoid autumn rain.
The climate in Franciacorta is generally consistent, with the vintage variation being limited. The only exception was in 2014, which was rainy and cool. Growers may need to combat downy mildew and botrytis during the season.
The climate is fiercely continental, but two factors help to mitigate its effects. To the north, the region is bordered by Lake Iseo, which significantly impacts the temperature in both summer and winter. This proximity helps to regulate the temperature and make it more moderate for grape growing. To the south, Monte Orfano provides further protection from the cold northern winds.
Soil Types
MORAINIC SOIL: This soil comprises rocks and boulders left behind by glaciers. It is well-draining and poor in nutrients, which helps to control vine vigor. Wines grown in morainic soil tend to be elegant and floral. These soils have a lower pH value than the soils found in Champagne, which results in wines with less acidity compared to those produced in the Champagne region. The unique soil composition of Franciacorta plays a crucial role in shaping the character of the wines produced in the region.
LIMESTONE SOIL: This soil is formed from sedimentary rock and is rich in calcium carbonate. It retains moisture well and is often found in the lower parts of the hills. Wines grown in limestone soil tend to have good acidity and minerality.
SANDY SOIL: This soil is made of sand and is well-draining, which can cause the vines to struggle. Wines grown in sandy soil tend to be aromatic and fruity.
MARL SOIL: This soil is made up of a mixture of clay and limestone and is well-suited for viticulture. Wines grown in marl soil tend to be full-bodied with complex flavors.
CLAY SOIL: This soil is rich in nutrients and retains water well, which can cause the vines to grow vigorously. Wines grown in clay soil tend to be full-bodied and spicy.
SILT SOIL: This soil is made of fine particles in flat areas near the lake. It is well-suited for growing Chardonnay grapes, and wines grown in silt soil tend to be delicate with a good balance of acidity and fruitiness.
Grapes
Most vineyards in Franciacorta are planted with Chardonnay, making up 75% of plantings. Pinot Noir is also widely grown, while Pinot Blanc is becoming less common. New vineyards are required to have a minimum planting density of 4,500 plants per hectare, and heavy cropping training systems such as pergola and Geneva Double Curtain are no longer allowed. Instead, cordon training with spur pruning or head training with replacement-cane pruning (Guyot) are the preferred methods.
Many estates in Franciacorta (about 75%) are organic, with aspirations to become 100% organic. There are few growers and no co-operatives in the region, which means that nearly all the grapes are estate-grown. This often results in high-quality grapes being produced, which contributes to the general high quality of the wines from the region.
The Franciacorta DOCG allows for several different wine styles, including:
Non-vintage: These wines are Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir blends with up to 50% Pinot Bianco. They must spend a minimum of 18 months on the lees, but they are often made from fruit from a single vintage.
Satèn: This style is made only from white grapes, mostly Chardonnay. The wines must spend at least 24 months on the lees and have slightly less sugar at tirage, resulting in a pressure of not more than five atmospheres. They can only be made in a Brut style.
Rosé: This style must contain at least 35% Pinot Noir and is typically a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Producers can extract color from Pinot Noir by direct pressing or short maceration on the skins. Blending with red wine is also allowed. These wines must spend a minimum of 24 months on the lees.
Millesimato: These are vintage wines made with at least 85% fruit from a year. They must spend a minimum of 30 months on the lees.
Riserva: Millesimato wines have spent at least 60 months on the lees.
The standard EU categories for dryness/sweetness apply, including Brut Nature (dosaggio zero). However, it's worth noting that in practice, the dosage level is often lower than expected for wines labeled at that sweetness level. For example, Brut wines may have a dosage of 6g/L or less.
Business
Franciacorta was one of the earliest regions to receive its DOC and was later promoted to DOCG status. Since 2003, it has had the right to print simply ‘Franciacorta’ on the label, similar to Champagne. The Franciacorta Consorzio is a well-supported body representing virtually all regional producers. They have conducted zoning studies to help growers understand the different soil types better, with a view to continuing to raise quality.
Production in Franciacorta is divided between three large companies (Guido Berlucchi, Ca' del Bosco, and Bellavista), which produce about one-third of all Franciacorta, and many medium and small-sized estates. Total production more than doubled in the ten years from 2007 to 2016, with 17.5 million bottles sold in 2018. Distribution is primarily in Italy (90%), predominantly in the hospitality sector, with the remaining 10% exported. Switzerland, Japan, Germany, and the USA are the main export markets, accounting for over 60% of exports.
20 facts about Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a wine region located in Lombardy, in central-northern Italy.
It is Italy's largest producing region for traditional method sparkling wine.
The region is known for its high-quality wines, which are pitched as Italian-made competition for Champagne.
The primary grape varieties used in Franciacorta are Chardonnay and Pinot Noir.
The climate in the region is warm continental with moderating influences from Lake Iseo and Monte Orfano.
The soils in Franciacorta are mixed and were formed through the action of glaciers.
Six main soil types have been identified, which give a range of expression in the base wines that are used for blending to add complexity to the wines.
Most vineyards in Franciacorta are on gentle slopes.
Nearly half of the region's rainfall occurs in autumn and winter.
Rain during spring can lead to problems with flowering and fruit set, and during the season in general to the need to combat downy mildew and botrytis.
Many growers in Franciacorta have irrigation installed and can use it if necessary.
Picking is early to avoid autumn rain, typically from the second half of August into September.
Most estates in Franciacorta are organic, with aspirations to become 100% organic.
Heavy cropping training systems like pergola and Geneva Double Curtain are now prohibited in new vineyards.
The majority of producers ferment and age their wines in stainless steel to preserve primary fruit.
Reserve wines are rarely used by smaller producers in Franciacorta, while larger producers use them for extra complexity and depth of flavor.
The wines produced in Franciacorta must be made using the traditional method.
Franciacorta has several wine styles, including Non-vintage, Satèn, Rosé, Millesimato, and Riserva.
Total production of Franciacorta more than doubled in the ten years from 2007 to 2016, with 17.5 million bottles sold in 2018.
The main export markets for Franciacorta are Switzerland, Japan, Germany, and the USA, which account for over 60% of exports.
Questions
Where is the Franciacorta wine region located?
What is Franciacorta known for producing?
Which grape varieties are predominantly grown in Franciacorta?
What is the climate like in Franciacorta?
How were the soils in Franciacorta formed?
How many main soil types have been identified in Franciacorta?
What is the primary training system used in new vineyards in Franciacorta?
Are most vineyards in Franciacorta organic?
What is the minimum time on lees required for basic non-vintage Franciacorta wines?
What are the permitted wine styles for Franciacorta DOCG?
How is the Satèn style of Franciacorta made?
What is the minimum percentage of Pinot Noir required for Rosé Franciacorta?
What is the minimum time on lees required for Millesimato Franciacorta?
What is the minimum time on lees required for Riserva Franciacorta?
What is the principal export market for Franciacorta?
Which large companies produce about one-third of all Franciacorta?
What is the purpose of the Franciacorta Consorzio?
What is the maximum permitted yield after pressing for Franciacorta wines?
Are heavy cropping training systems like pergola and Geneva Double Curtain still allowed in new vineyards in Franciacorta?
Do most producers in Franciacorta use oak aging for their wines?
