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