The modern history of Franciacorta began in 1961, when oenologist Franco Ziliani, together with his friend Guido Berlucchi, produced the first bottle of classic method inspired by Champagne. From that pioneering intuition came an incredible evolution: today, the area boasts more than 20 million bottles produced each year and hundreds of active wineries, including historic and new generations of winemakers.
Franciacorta DOCG is made from Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc and the rare Erbamat, an indigenous grape variety now being rediscovered for its freshness and natural acidity. The production method is the same as for Champagne: refermentation in the bottle, long aging on the lees (even more than 60 months), and great attention to sustainability. More than 80% of the vineyards are now conducted organically or biodynamically.
Alongside Franciacorta, Curtefranca DOC is also produced: in the white version with the same grapes as Franciacorta, in the red with Bordeaux grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Carmenère). These are still, elegant, intense wines that tell the lesser known but equally noble face of this territory.
Franciacorta is a unique case in Italy: its recent history has given rise to a varied and dynamic production context. Most of the wineries are small and medium-sized family-run businesses, often born in the 1980s and 1990s, led today by young winemakers with a contemporary vision, but deeply rooted in the territory and tradition.
Each winery has a story to tell: there are those who have recovered old rural farmhouses, those who have invested in avant-garde architecture immersed in the vineyards, and those who focus on regenerative agriculture. Visitors can enjoy immersive experiences that combine guided tours, tastings, storytelling and breathtaking landscapes.
Franciacorta pairs perfectly with other cultural and sensory experiences:
All this less than an hour from Milan: an oasis of taste and beauty at your fingertips.
Franciacorta is not just a wine: it is a landscape, a culture, a way of life. It is the perfect place for those seeking refinement, authenticity and a warm welcome in an extraordinary natural setting. Book a tasting, visit a winery, taste the terroir: here the metodo classico speaks Italian, with pride.