Franciacorta (Italy)
Italian Franciacorta is produced the same way as French Champagne.
In Italy the production method is called Metodo Classico or Metodo Tradizionale.
Flavors
 Lime |
 Grapefruit |
 Orange |
 Mandarin |
 Apple |
 Pear |
 Apple |
 Vanilla |
 Strawberry |
 Bread |
 Almonds |
 Minerals |
Citrus, Apple, Pear, Strawberry, Vanilla, Yeast and Almonds are typical flavors.
Profile
Franciacorta is acidic, and have more body than most other sparkling wines:
| SUGAR | Dry | ||
| BODY | Medium - Light | ||
| FRUIT | Medium - Low | ||
| ACIDITY | High | ||
| |||
Food Pairing
You can drink sparkling wine to almost everything. Whether it is French Champagne, Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco.
 Aperitif |
 Salads |
 Tapas |
 Sandwitch |
 Seafood |
 Oysters |
 Salmon |
 Sushi |
 Fries |
 Chicken |
 Turkey |
 Pork |
 Egg Dishes |
 Pasta |
 Risotto |
 Soft Cheese |
Sparkling wines pair very well with salty food, because the bubbles break up the salt in the mouth. The acidity and bubbles also pair well with rich food, creamy and oily dishes.
Pairing Suggestions
Excellent Pairing:
Caesar Salad. Seafood Salad.
Hors-d'œuvre. Sandwitch. Focaccia.
Ham. Serrano. Prosciutto.
Seafood. Oysters. Clams.
Crab. Lobster. Caviar.
Cod. Tuna. Smoked Salmon.
Fried Chicken. Turkey. Pork.
Egg Dishes. Omelette. Risotto.
Pasta. Ravioli. Macaroni with Cheese.
Asian Food. Springrolls.
Sushi. Sashimi.
Cheese:
Soft and Fresh Cheeses.
Soft and Fresh Cheeses.
Brie. Camembert. Washed-Rind. Robiola.
Feta. Fontina. Creamy Blue.
Italian Specialities:
Risotto with Asparagus.
White Fish (Sea Bass) with Polenta.
Lasagne with White Sauce.
Franchacorta DOCG
Franciacorta is a DOCG since 1995. It was the first Italian area to obtain a DOCG for production of Metodo Classico wines:
- Area: Brescia in Lombardy
- Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco.
- Method: Metodo Classico
The production method is the same as for French Champagne (Méthode Champenois).
The minimum ageing ranges from 18 months to several years for Riservas.
Franciacorta is more similar to Champagne than to Prosecco. It tastes like Champagne but it is cheaper and needs less "dosage" (added sugar for the second fermentation), because the warmer climate gives the grapes a higher sugar content.
Méthode Champenoise
Méthode Champenoise is the method used to produce French Champagne.
The Method
After primary fermentation and bottling, a second fermentation is started by adding the yeast Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and sugar to the bottle.
After about 1 year, the Champagne bubbles are completely developed.
The method is also is used for:
- French Crémant
- Spanish Cava
- Italian Franciacorta
- German Sekt
- Portuguese Espumante
New Names
Méthode Champenoise is now reserved by EU, for wines produced in Champagne.
Other regions must use other terms:
| Country | Name |
|---|---|
| England | Traditional Method |
| France | Méthode Traditionnelle |
| Spain | Método Tradicional |
| Portugal | Método Tradicional |
| Italy | Metodo Classico Metodo Tradizionale |
| Germany | Klassische Flaschengärung |
 |
Blanc de BlancBlanc de Blanc is French, meaning "White from Whites". Only White grapes are used in the production. The typically grape is Chardonnay. It can also be another grape like Pinot Blanc, or a blend. In Spain they often use Spanish grapes like Macabeo, Parellada, and Xarel-lo. In Germany they often use German Riesling. |
 |
Blanc de NoirBlanc de Noir is French, meaning "White from Blacks". Only Red grapes are used in the production. The typical grape is Pinot Noir. It can also be another grape like Pinot Meunier, or a blend. In Spain they often use local grapes like Monastrell. |
Sugar Levels
| Regulation EC 607/2009 |
Sugar gram/litre |
Calories /glass |
|---|---|---|
| Brut Nature (Brut Zero) | 0-3 | 3 |
| Extra Brut | 0-6 | 5 |
| Brut | 0-12 | 7 |
| Extra Dry (Extra Sec, Extra Seco) | 12-17 | 10 |
| Dry (Sec, Seco) | 17-32 | 20 |
| Demi (Semi) | 32-50 | 30 |
| Doux (Sweet, Dulce) | 50+ | 30+ |
Lombardia (Lombardy)
The Lombardia region, in the north of Italy, has about 10 million inhabitants.
Milano, Lombardia's capital, is the largest metropolitan area in Italy, and Lombardia is one of the richest regions in Europe.
Lombardia is blessed with spectacular lakes; Como, Maggiore, Garda, and Iseo.
Lombardia has 5 DOCG Regions.
Red Wines:
Valtellina Superiore DOCG
Sforzato di Valtellina DOCG
Moscato di Scanzo DOCG
Oltrepò Pavese
White Wines:
Lugana
Pinot Grigio
Turbiana
Sparkling Wines:
Franciacorta DOCG
Oltrepò Pavese Metodo Classico DOCG
