Franciacorta - The King of Italian Sparkling Wine

Franciacorta is produced in Northern Italy in the Province of Bergamo at the feet of the Italian Alps. Greatly treasured in Italy but not well known in other European countries.  Franciacorta from La Fiorita is a typical example of  the quality of the wine. La Fiorita Franciacorta Wines Produced from the Chardonnay grape and sometimes mixed with Pinot Noir and / or Pinot Blanc, grape varieties, Franciacorta is a sparkling wine produced by method champennoise.  The maturation process lasts at least 25 months after the harvest of which at least 18 months of slow fermentation in the bottle in contact with the lees. (methode champennoise). Franciacorta Bubbly Wine  The features and sensory characteristics that identify the Franciacorta are: pelage fine and persistent, almost creamy ; straw yellow colour with greenish reflections ; nuanced but distinct scent of yeast ( bread crust ) , accompanied by delicate notes of dried fruits ( almonds, hazelnuts , dried figs ) and spices (cloves ) ; in the mouth a pleasant flavour and freshness . Usually classified with reference to the sugar content Franciacorta, has the following types:

Types of Franciacorta Wine

Not dosed (Pas dose, Dosage Zero, Nature); particularly dry, 

great impression and pungency of the bubbles, expresses characteristic

 floral perfumes, obtained without adding syrup, but only wine. 

Excellent aperitif.    

Extra Brut (sugar up to 6 grams / litre): dry, ideal as an aperitif and between meals. Excellent with savoury appetizers, delicate sandwiches and cakes baked vegetables.  

  Brut (sugar less than 15 grams / litre): dry, ideal as a table wine, it goes well with risottos, fish dishes and white meat. It is advisable not to take him with sweet desserts.    

Extra Dry (sugar from 12 to 20 grams / litre): dry and delicate suitable for quiches and baked vegetables.  

 Sec Dry (sugar 17 to 35 grams / litre): dry but slightly soft, it is indicated for soft cheeses, spicy and like Gorgonzola or Taleggio cheese; excellent with non-sweet ice cream and desserts.    

Demisec (sugar from 33 to 55 grams / litre): round, intensely fragrant, soft and velvety, it goes very well with desserts; a favourite with small pastries.

Saten

Satèn is one of the highest expressions of harmony, pleasure and flavour of Franciacorta. Produced with Chardonnay (prevalent grapes) and Pinot Bianco, with a pressure of less than or equal to 4.5 and a sugar content not exceeding 15 g / litre. The features and sensory characteristics that identify and differentiate the Satén Franciacorta are: pelage fine and persistent, almost creamy, straw yellow colour with greenish reflections also, nuanced but distinct aroma of ripe fruit. Accompanied by delicate notes of white flowers and also toasted nuts (almond and hazelnut); taste, gives a pleasant flavour and freshness fusing with softness reminiscent of the delicate sensations of silk.  Characterised by creamy, smooth and soft flavours it is, ideal for the whole meal, but exceptional with baked pasta dishes, delicate risotto and dishes based on fish (sturgeon, salmon, trout, whitefish, tench, blue fish).

Technical Specification of Franciacorta Saten from La Fiorita

Blog post prepared by Vincent Sandford of Sandford & Oving Italian Wine Merchants

Monte Conero. The Environment and the Wine

The promontory of Mount Conero lies in the south of Ancona in the Marche in central Italy, overlooking the Adriatic Sea.  Designated a national regional park in 1987 it is home to  Eurasian Badger, beech Marten, weasel, Yellow Bellied Toad, Pellegrini Falcon and the Kingfisher.  The area is a haven for lovers of nature and walkers alike with many sign posted walks to aid the tourist, complemented by Aeroporto delle Marche at Falconara, Ancona.

Le Marche Wine Region

Art and Culture

Until 1860 the area was under the control of the Papal State of the Loreto, itself under the Vatican.  Prior to the battle at Castelfidardo the Papal State lavished riches in churches, buildings and culture and gave this region a rich heritage much of which exists today, Cities like Loreto, Macerata, Castefidardo, Camerino, Matelica and San Severino Marche are evidence of this richness.

Scenery and Wine

The scenery is charming: clear waters are rich in local fish, Mediterranean plants.  The park covered in juniper, lavender and strawberry trees, which attracts a strong flow of domestic and international tourists.

Rosso Conero Villa Bonomi by Marchetti

Cultivated in ancient times, prospering today and dominating the area for wine production ithe Montepulciano grape is an important part f the regional wine industry.  Grown on the hills facing the Adriatic Sea this grape varietal is used to blend with Sangiovese grapes to make Ross Conero, which gained its Denominazio Controllata e Garantita (DOCQ) in 2004. Thanks to the daily breeze, the nature of the soil and the climatic conditions the Montepulciano grape produces unique and typical characteristics that make this varietal special for Monte Conero

Wine lovers, tourists and curious travelers can follow the route of the Rosso Conero wine route.  Producers accustomed to welcoming visitors, offer this wonderful red wine, with samples of Pecorino cheese and Ciaiuscolo salami.  The intense aromas, excellent structure, soft and velvety overtones blends perfectly with the classical Marche cuisine.

The Association "The Winegrowers of Mount Conero"

There is no doubt, the quality and reputation of Rosso Conero has enhanced since 2009 with the formation of thirteen producers of Rosso Conero. Offering wine tasting their cellars, pursuing the goals of quality, wine characteristics, respect for the territory and the production of Rosso Conero in all stages of production (cultivation, fewer chemicals, ageing, bottling techniques in their cellars) members of the association have increased reputation of Rosso Conero.

The Association benefits from synergies and undertaking initiatives to promoting and combining the beauty of a wonderful region to the value of the wine and the food culture of the region.

About the Author

Vincent Sandford

Vincent Sandford is director of Sandford & Oving Italian Wine Merchants exporting wines to the UK & The Netherlands.  He has been involved in the wine industry since 2005.

Useful Links

Producers of ROSSO CONERO and Wine Tastings

Alessandro Moroder www.moroder-vini.it

Fattoria Le Terrazze www.fattorialeterrazze.it

Az. Ag. Malacari www.malacari.it

Strologo Silvano www.vinorossoconero.com

Lanari Luca www.lanarivini.it

Piantate Lunghe www.piantatelunghe.it

Marchetti Maurizio www.marchettiwines.it

Spinsanti Catia www.rossoconerodoc.com

Serenelli Alberto www.albertoserenelli.com

Lucesole Graziella www.fattorialucesole.it

Mercante Oriano www.rossoconero.it

Polenta Giancarlo www.cantinapolenta.it

Luigi Pieri luigimariapieri@virgilio.it

National Park Conero (Italiano) - http://www.ambiente.marche.it/Ambiente/Natura/ParchieRiserve/ParcoNaturaleRegionaledelConero.aspx

Walking Routes in Conero

http://www.trekkingmontiazzurri.com/index.php/parco-del-conero.html