THE TERRITORY
Franciacorta is located in Lombardy, Italy, below Lake Iseo and close to Brescia. The climate is warm continental with adequate rainfall and moderating influences. Cool air from the Alps in summer, while Lake Iseo moderates temperature, accumulating heat and releasing it. Soils are very specific sand- and silt-rich, typically poor in clay, classified into six different units: fine deposits, fluvioglacial, distal colluvia, deep moraine, terraced colluvia, and fine moraine. Chardonnay dominates plantings, followed by Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, and Erbamat.
THE WINES
Franciacorta wines are made by the traditional method and they can be in different types. Non-vintage, typically a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with the possibility to add a max of 50% Pinot Blanc and 10% Erbamat, at least 18 months on the lees, it represents the majority of the production. Satèn, only from white grape varieties (usually Chardonnay and max 50% of Pinot Blanc), at least 24 months on the lees, less sugar on the tirage resulting in less pressure (5 atm), only Brut style. Rosé, a blend of at least 35% Pinot Noir, max 65% Chardonnay, max 50% Pinot Blanc, and max 10% Erbamat, at least 24 months on the lees. Millesimato, wine with the vintage declared, at least 85% of the grapes from a single vintage, at least 30 months on the lees. Riserva, the pinnacle of every wine producer, at least 60 months on the lees, tiny production.