Franciacorta

Question 1

Franciacorta is primarily made from what two grape varietals?

Answer 1

• Chardonnay

- Pinot Noir

Question 2

Franciacorta is located within what region in Italy

Answer 2

Lombardy

Question 3

What is the climate for Franciacorta?

Answer 3

Warm continental

Question 4

What are the moderating influences on Franciacorta?

Answer 4

• Cool air flows down the alps in the north during the summer
• Lake Iseo also moderates daily and season temperature ranges

Question 5

What are some of the typical weather and disease threats that Franciacorta faces?

Answer 5

• Spring Frost
• Spring Rains that can influence flowering and fruit set
• Mildew
• Botrytis

Question 6

Is there a ton of vintage variation in Franciacorta like there is in Champagne?

Answer 6

Not really, though there are exceptions

Question 7

What percentage of the plantings in Franciacorta is dedicated to Chardonnay?

Answer 7

75%

Question 8

What is the required minimum planting density for new vineyards in Franciacorta?

Answer 8

4,500 vines per hectare

Question 9

Is Franciacorta full of growers and co-ops like they are producers?

Answer 9

No. There are not co-ops and barely any growers meaning that estate producers are have the resources and are motivated to grow high quality grapes and produce high quality wines

Question 10

Are the grapes for making white and rose wines handled differently when producing Franciacorta?

Answer 10

Yes!

• When making white wine, the fruit must be whole bunch pressed (which is required by law) to ensure high-quality juice with low phenolic content
• The Pinot Noir used for rose wines and red wines (which will be blended to make rose wine) can be destemmed.

Question 11

What is the maximum permitted yields for Franciacorta?

Answer 11

65hL/ha (1,717 gallons per acre)

Question 12

How are Franciacorta producers adding complexity to their Millesimato and Riserva wines?

Answer 12

They are fermenting and/or aging their wines in old oak

Question 13

Do Franciacorta producers have reserve wines?

Answer 13

For small producers, usually not. But the larger Franciacorta producers do have some reserve wines to add depth and complexity to their wines

Question 14

What are the requirements for Non-Vintage Franciacorta?

Answer 14

• 18 months on the lees minimum

- Up to 50% Pinot Bianco (though wines are typically Chardonnay and Pinot Noir)

Question 15

What are the requirements for Saten Franciacorta?

Answer 15

• This style can only be made using white grapes
• 24 months on the lees minimum
• Pressure less than 5 atm
• Can only be made in a brut style

Question 16

What are the requirements for Rose Franciacorta?

Answer 16

• Must be a minumum of 35% Pinot Noir
• Color extraction can be done either by direct press or a short maturation
• Blending with red wine is also permitted
• 24 months minimum of Lees aging

Question 17

What are the requirements for Millesimato Franciacorta?

Answer 17

• Wines are from the vintage declared
• Must be made with at least 85% of the declared vintage
• minimum 30 months on the lees

Question 18

What are the requirements for Riserva Franciacorta?

Answer 18

• Same as Millesimato, but with 60 months minimum on the lees

Question 19

Name the 3 largest companies in Franciacorta

Answer 19

• Bellavista
• Ca’ del Bosco
• Guido Berlucchi

Question 20

How much of the Franciacorta produced is exported?

Answer 20

Only 10%

Question 21

What are the main export markets for Franciacorta?

Answer 21

• Switzerland
• Japan
• Germany
• USA