Italian Franciacorta is produced the same way as French Champagne.
In Italy the production method is called Metodo Classico or Metodo Tradizionale.
Franciacorta is a DOCG since 1995. It was the first Italian area to obtain a DOCG for production of Metodo Classico wines:
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 tastes like Champagne, but it is less expensive, and needs less "dosage" (added sugar for the second fermentation), because the warmer climate gives the grapes a higher sugar content.