Collection: Franciacorta DOCG

Franciacorta DOCG is bottle-fermented sparkling wine from Lombardy in northern Italy, south of Lake Iseo in the province of Brescia. Our selection includes Satèn, rosé and Riserva. The wines come from the same region, but differ in grapes, ageing times and levels of sweetness. Begin by choosing between a fresh, dry style and a wine with more mature aromas, and then compare the individual bottles.

Chardonnay and Pinot Nero are the central grapes. Pinot Bianco may account for up to 50 percent and Erbamat for up to 10 percent in the styles where these grapes are permitted. Satèn has its own composition: at least 50 percent Chardonnay and possibly Pinot Bianco. It is made only as Brut and has lower bottle pressure, which gives a softer sensation of the bubbles.

The second fermentation takes place in the bottle, and the wine then ages on the lees, that is the yeast residue. The minimum time on the lees is 18 months for ordinary Franciacorta and 24 months for rosé and Satèn without a vintage. Vintage wines, called Millesimato, require at least 30 months, while Riserva requires 60. This is the time up to disgorgement, when the yeast residue is removed, and not simply the age of the wine counted from the harvest year.

The sweetness category is another useful guide. Brut is dry, while Pas Dosé indicates a wine without sugar added at the final dosage. Pas Dosé does not necessarily mean that the wine is entirely without residual sugar. For fish, shellfish or a vegetable risotto you can look for freshness and balance; for a fuller dish a wine with longer ageing may be worth trying. Read the description for the specific wine rather than choosing by vintage alone.

Franciacorta is an independent appellation with its own rules and styles. If you would like to compare bottle-fermented wines from different areas, you can also see our Champagne. In the broader selection of sparkling wine you will find more Italian wine styles. Choose by grapes, sweetness and taste, and let the menu help you with the final decision.