Franciacorta The Sparkling Soul of Lombardy
Franciacorta is one of Italy’s most celebrated sparkling wines and yet remains a hidden treasure compared to Champagne. The name comes from the rolling hills in Lombardy between Brescia and Lake Iseo, where tradition, terroir, and patience converge. The Franciacorta designation is more than a label; it guarantees that every bottle is made within the region under strict rules for quality, fermentation, and aging. Today, around 120 producers carry this legacy, each contributing their own vision to this historic sparkling wine.
As a sommelier, I have curated wine lists internationally and tasted hundreds of Franciacorta bottles to select the ones that truly stand out. Visiting the producers personally allows you to understand not just the wines but the stories, families, and philosophies behind them. Some estates focus on the delicate creaminess of Satèn, others on the freshness and structure of Rosé, and many craft Vintage or Riserva wines that reveal the full character of the region and the magic of patient, bottle-aged fermentation.
A privileged view over one of Franciacorta’s finest estates
From Grape to Glass Understanding Franciacorta
Franciacorta is primarily made from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco. Each grape contributes to the finesse, richness, and elegance of the final wine. The wines are created using the méthode traditionnelle, where secondary fermentation occurs in the bottle, producing fine, persistent bubbles that define the region’s signature style.
Satèn is soft and creamy, made exclusively from white grapes with a delicate, silky texture. Rosé combines Pinot Nero with white grapes to offer freshness, subtle structure, and aromatic finesse. Vintage or Millesimato wines are made from the best grapes of a single year, highlighting seasonal character and aging potential. Riserva wines, aged for at least five years, offer complex aromas and depth, representing the pinnacle of craftsmanship in Franciacorta.
The brand Franciacorta has become synonymous with Italian excellence in sparkling wine, recognized worldwide for its precision, elegance, and artisanal approach. While Champagne may enjoy global fame, Franciacorta shines in its own right as a reflection of the soil, climate, and generations of careful winemaking.
Experiencing Franciacorta
Visiting Franciacorta is a journey through taste, history, and storytelling. Walking through the vineyards, exploring the cellars, and tasting alongside the producers reveals why each bottle carries the signature of its maker and the identity of the region. For a sommelier like me, curating a tasting is about showing the range and personality of the wines, highlighting nuances from the silkiness of Satèn to the complexity of Riserva.
Franciacorta is more than sparkling wine. It is the story of a region, a people, and a tradition refined over decades. Every sip invites curiosity, discovery, and appreciation for the skill, time, and passion behind it.
Would you like to experience the refined charm of Franciacorta firsthand?
With The Italian Vibe, every visit is personally curated,
offering exclusive access to vineyards, cellars, and tastings — crafted entirely for you.
Franciacorta is the official sparkling wine sponsor of Michelin Star events worldwide, a partnership built on shared values of excellence, precision, and craftsmanship. Wherever the Michelin Guide celebrates culinary achievement, Franciacorta accompanies the moment, raising a glass to the chefs, producers, and stories that define contemporary fine dining.
This image below captures an unforgettable moment from the 2025 Michelin Guide California ceremony in Sacramento, celebrating the newly awarded restaurants across the state. An evening shaped by talent, passion, and shared celebration — made even more memorable with a glass of Franciacorta. Experiencing these events together, both professionally and personally, is always a reminder of how deeply food, wine, and culture connect.
Pictured at the 2025 Michelin Guide California ceremony in Sacramento, an evening celebrated with Franciacorta and Giuseppe Lo Cascio of Lucidity Wine.