What I Learned
The term Franciacorta refers to a region in north central Italy. The term Franciacorta also refers to a production method. Thirdly, this same term refers to its sparkling wines.
The territory itself is a 320 square kilometer area bounded by Lake Iseo to the north, the Oglio River to the west and Brescia to the east. The soils are primarily gravelly and limestone-rich. Sheltered by the Alps further north, and characterized by gently rolling hills, this region is ideal for viticulture.
Wine production in this area has been documented since at least the 11th Century, around the time of the local Cluniac monastic foundation. Since 1995 however, Franciacorta’s sparkling wines have attained Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita, (DOCG for short) status. This is the highest title given in Italy for wines, in recognition of the wine’s superior quality.
To be designated a DOCG Franciacorta wine, vintners must adhere to validated growth and production methods. This means everything from planting vines within the region (vintners must meet density and low yield standards), to the use of the defined Franciacorta production techniques (such as using only free-run must and fermenting slowly and at a low temperature). Additionally, once bottled, the wine must rest a minimum of two years.
The word Franciacorta on a bottle indicates not only the territory, but also the fact that you are drinking a top quality sparkling wine from this region. These can range from the driest: Dosaggio zero (pas dose), to Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry and Sec (Dry), to the sweetest, a Demi-Sec. The region’s wine makers also offer a sparkling Blanc de Blancs (known locally as “Saten”), and a sparkling Rose.
Wines labelled Curtefranca, on the other hand, fall under the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) qualification, the second highest designation in the Italian quality pyramid. These are excellent still white or red wines: Curtefranca DOC Rosso, or Curtefranca DOC Bianco.
Chardonnay grapes play a large role in this region. In the Curtefranca DOC Bianco for example, there must be a minimum of 50 percent Chardonnay in the mix. Even a wine using nothing but Chardonnay results in a wine that is not your typical Chardonnays however, and provides an interesting tasting experience. Additionally, Chardonnay grapes form a base for most of the Franciacorta sparkling wines.
Likewise, Pinot Bianco also plays a large role in wines from this region. It is most often combined with Chardonnay to produce the Franciacorta sparkling wines.
Pinot Nero is the red varietal used in the Franciacorta DOCG production. The Franciacorta Rose will contain at least 25 percent Pinot Nero, in addition to Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco.
Other red varietals grown here include a relatively unique varietal, the Carmenere, believed to have come originally from France, (maybe with the monks), Merlot, and the Cabernets Franc and Sauvignon.
What I Tasted:
Curtefranca DOC; Cavalleri 2011: (Chardonnay) a dry white wine with floral and honey notes, with hints of oak and smoke.
Curtefranca DOC, Ferghettina, 2010: (80 percent Chardonnay, 20 percent Pinot Bianco): a dry white wine with melon, floral and honey notes, with a hint of minerality.
Curtefranca Rosso, Ca’ del Bosco 2009: (a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, and Nebbiolo): a dry red wine cuvee; full-bodied, rich tasting wine; a well-balanced blend with notes of oak, cherries, and a bit of spice, a delicious wine.
Franciacorta Brut, Cuvee Rose, Bersi Serlini: a dry sparkling rose wine with light salmon color, and fine, lively bubbles; light toast notes and a hint of black licorice; light, refreshing and creamy on the palate.
Franciacorta Brut, DOCG, Domus Uvae: a dry sparkling white wine with medium gold color; a blend of Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco, and Chardonnay; fine bubbles, light, creamy, yet crisp on the palate; notes of toast and chardonnay grape.
Franciacorta Brut, Anteprima, DOCG, Bersi Serlini: a dry sparkling white wine with medium gold color; with 80% Chardonnay, and 20% Pinot Blanc; fine, lively bubbles, with notes of toast, smoke and Chardonnay fruit.
Franciacorta Brut, DOCG, Riva di Franciacorta: a dry sparkling white wine with fine bubbles and a light medium gold color; nose of toast, hints of smoke and wood, light fruit and licorice; a creamy mouthfeel and very mild acidity.