Franciacorta Pours Historic Bottles for tasting at NYC’s Manhatta on June 7 2023 – Wine Review
Today the word Franciacorta identifies the area, the wine itself and the production method, which complies with strict rules to certify the absolute quality of this wine.
Franciacorta lies in the center of Lombardy, one hour from Milan bordering Lake Iseo. Approximately 200 square kilometers including 19 municipalities in the province of Brescia.
The gentle rolling hills, to the west by the Oglio River and to the Northeast by the Rhaetian Alps, their ancient origins to the retreating glaciers that over 10,000 years ago formed the natural amphitheater where Franciacorta is nestled.
The morainic origin of this area informs the soil with rich mineral content for a high quality viticulture, which can be fully appreciated in the characteristics of every Franciacorta bottle.
Franciacorta Sparkling Wine History
Franciacorta’s origins are ancient. From the Roman era through the Early and Late Middle ages, favorable climatic conditions and the diversity of soil types led to expansion of countless vineyards as far back as 1809.
Franco Ziliani produced the first “Pinot de Franciacorta” in the early 1960s. He paved the way for amateur producers of sparkling wine before the category even existed in the area.
Twenty years after a presidential decree of the Italian Republic made Franciacorta a DOC area, in 1967, 29 producers of Franciacorta banded together, on March 5th 1990, to form Franciacorta Consortium.
Franciacorta’s name
The origin of the name Franciacorta goes back to the 11th century. “Francae curtes” or free courts was known after the arrival of Cluniac monks in the 11th century and their construction of a monastery in San Pietro in Lamosa.
The place name Franzacurta appeared for the first time in the annals of Brescia Township in 1277 and denotes the area between the Oglio River to the west and the low-lying foothills of the Rhaetian Alps to the east, the mountains that divide the Camonica and Trompia valleys.
Franciacorta’s Sparkling Wines to Taste
Franciacorta Dosaggio Zero Antica Fratta Essence 2018
70% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Nero. Fermented in stainless steel. 42 months aging on the lees. Less than 1 gram per liter residual sugar
Elegant and dry. Chardonnay grapes add finesse, while the Pinot Nero grapes bring body and structure. Clear, creamy and delicate sip. Vibrant freshness. Rich in aromas of yellow-fleshed fruit, sweet spices, dried fruit.
More info: https://www.anticafratta.com/i-franciacorta/essence-nature/
Franciacorta Extra Brut Faccoli
60% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Nero. Fermented in stainless steel. Minimum 20 months aging on the lees. Zero residual sugar
Pale yellow in the glass with fine bubbles. The nose has brioche and bread with notes of yeast. On the palate, bright with mineral and citrus.
More info: https://www.faccolifranciacorta.it/en/franciacorta-extra-brut
Franciacorta Brut Castel Faglia Monogram
80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Nero. Fermented 80% in stainless steel and 20% in small oak casks. Minimum 24 months aging on the lees
Pale golden yellow with persistent mousse. Crisp and salty nose with mineral, delicate yeast, bread crust and pastries, lime. On the palate, juicy, nice body, medium length, very drinkable.
Franciacorta Brut Frecciara Fratelli Berlucchi 2018
60% Chardonnay, 30% Pinot Bianco, 10% Pinot Nero. Fermented in stainless steel. Minimum 60 months aging on the lees. 7.5g residual sugar
One of the most iconic representatives of sparkling wine.
Elegant and delicate. Notes of aromatic herbs, citrus and brioche. Medium body, long finish. A treat to enjoy.
Franciacorta Saten Brut 1701 Raccolta 2018
100% Chardonnay. Fermented in stainless steel. Minimum 42 months aging on the lees. Zero residual sugar
In the glass, straw yellow with subtle and delicate perlage. The nose has almond, biscuit, bread crust. On the palate, rich, creamy, elegant with delicate mineral notes.
Pair with fish appetizers, white meat, Fried fish, steamed mussels and crab legs.
Franciacorta Saten Brut Ca’ Del Bosco Vintage Collection 2018
85% Chardonnay 85, 15% Pinot Bianco. Fermented 5 months in small oak casks. Average of 48 months aging on the lees. .5 residual sugar
A sensual, lush, soft and round mouthfeel. Elegant with a supple finish.
Franciacorta Rose Brut Mosnel
80% Chardonnay, 20% Pinot Bianco, 20% Pinot Nero. Fermented partly in temperature controlled stainless steel and partly in small oak casks. Minimum 24 months aging on the lees. 4.5 residual sugar
Rose gold in the glass. On the nose, pomegranate, lemon and brioche. Elegant and fine perlage. The mouth has strawberry, opens up to mineral notes, ending with vibrant acidity.
Franciacorta Rose Extra Brut CorteBianca 2017
80% Pinot Nero, 20% Chardonnay. Fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel. 38 months aging on the lees
Very fine perlage. The nose has raspberry, blackberry, wild cherry, candied orange peel, with a light almond. The mouth has light body, delicate and persistent, with a good mineral level. Red berries, vanilla and tobacco.
