Franciacorta: Italy’s Sparkling Secret Worth Discovering
When it comes to sparkling wine, Champagne may get all the glory, and Prosecco has certainly earned its share of global love. But nestled in the Lombardy region of northern Italy lies Franciacorta—a sparkling wine with finesse, structure, and a pedigree to rival the finest bubbles in the world. Still relatively under the radar, Franciacorta is Italy’s best-kept sparkling wine secret, and it’s time the world gave it the recognition it deserves.
A Brief History
Franciacorta’s sparkling story began in earnest in the early 1960s when winemaker Franco Ziliani, working at the Guido Berlucchi estate, successfully released Italy’s first traditional method sparkling wine in the region. While wine had been made in Franciacorta for centuries, this marked the start of serious, Champagne-style production. The region earned DOC status in 1967 and was elevated to DOCG—Italy’s highest wine classification—in 1995.
Where Is Franciacorta?
Franciacorta is located in Lombardy, between the southern shore of Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia. The region benefits from a unique microclimate, thanks to its proximity to both the Alps and the lake, which creates ideal conditions for cultivating grapes with crisp acidity and complexity.
The Grapes of Franciacorta
The main grape varieties used in Franciacorta are:
- Chardonnay: Brings elegance and finesse.
- Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir): Adds structure and richness.
- Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc): Permitted in small quantities, it adds floral nuances and softness.
Classifications of Franciacorta
Franciacorta wines are made using the Metodo Classico (Traditional Method), the same as Champagne. The classifications are based on aging and dosage levels:
- Franciacorta: Aged minimum 18 months on lees.
- Franciacorta Satèn: Blanc de blancs style, only Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco, with lower pressure.
- Franciacorta Rosé: Minimum 35% Pinot Nero; elegant and fruit-forward.
- Franciacorta Millesimato: Vintage-dated, with minimum 30 months aging.
- Franciacorta Riserva: Aged at least 60 months; only for the most structured, age-worthy wines.
Winery Spotlight: Marzaghe – Cantico Rosé Franciacorta DOCG
Marzaghe is a boutique winery situated in the heart of Franciacorta, where they combine innovation with respect for tradition. The estate is known for crafting precise, expressive wines that showcase the terroir’s natural elegance.
Cantico Rosé is a blend of 80% Pinot Nero and 20% Chardonnay, vinified using the Traditional Method. It spends at least 36 months on the lees, allowing for a round, creamy texture and complex flavor development.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Delicate salmon pink
- Nose: Aromas of wild strawberries, fresh tree ripe cherries, rose petals, and a hint of brioche
- Palate: Elegant and structured, with a fine mousse and notes of red berries, stone fruit. Long, crisp, and mineral-driven
Cantico Rosé is a serious food wine, yet versatile enough for aperitivo hour. It’s a sparkling wine that feels celebratory without being overbearing—a true hidden gem.
Winery Spotlight: La Montina – Rosé Extra Brut Franciacorta DOCG
Founded in 1987 by the Bozza brothers, La Montina is a prominent name in Franciacorta, known for its extensive vineyards and historic cellars located near the charming town of Monticelli Brusati. The estate is deeply rooted in tradition while embracing sustainable practices.
Their Rosé Extra Brut is made with a majority of Pinot Nero and a smaller percentage of Chardonnay, aged for at least 36 months on lees. The low dosage (Extra Brut) keeps the wine dry and focused, highlighting the purity of the fruit and terroir.
Tasting Notes:
- Color: Vivid pink with copper reflections
- Nose: Fresh raspberry, pomegranate, hints of crushed stones
- Palate: Zesty and refined, with vibrant acidity and delicate notes of strawberry, hint of apple
- Finish: Linear and elegant, with persistent minerality
This is a wine that pairs beautifully with a boat ride, salmon, charcuterie, or even sushi. Its clean profile and firm structure make it a standout for those who appreciate precision in their sparkling wines.
The Underdog with a Sparkling Future
Franciacorta may not have the international fame of Champagne or the mass appeal of Prosecco, but for those in the know, it offers exceptional quality, meticulous craftsmanship, and expressive terroir—often at a fraction of the price of its French counterpart.
So the next time you’re looking for bubbles with depth and character, skip the usual suspects and reach for Franciacorta. You just might discover your new favorite sparkling wine.
