Franciacorta DOCG
Italy's premier traditional method sparkling wine appellation in Lombardy; produces high-quality Champagne-method wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco with extended lees aging.
Permitted Varieties
Key Regulatory Constraints
- Traditional method (metodo classico) required
- Minimum 18 months on lees
- Satèn max 5.0 bar pressure
- Riserva minimum 60 months on lees
Franciacorta DOCG
Technical Summary
- Classification: DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita)
- Legal status: Protected Designation of Origin under EU wine regulations
- Country: Italy
- Region: Lombardy
- Geographic scope: South of Lake Iseo (Brescia province)
- Area under vine: ~3,000 hectares
- Core products: Traditional method sparkling wines
Quality Status: Italy’s answer to Champagne; highest tier for Italian sparkling.
Regulatory Constraints (Verified)
Ampelographic Composition
Franciacorta (White/Rosé):
- Chardonnay: 0-100%
- Pinot Nero: 0-100%
- Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc): 0-50%
- Erbamat: Up to 10% (recent addition for acidity)
Satèn (Blanc de Blancs style):
- Chardonnay: Up to 100%
- Pinot Bianco: Up to 50%
- NO Pinot Nero
Rosé:
- Pinot Nero: Minimum 25%
Yield Limits
- Maximum yield: 66 hl/ha
- Typical quality: 50-60 hl/ha
Lees Aging Requirements (CRITICAL)
| Style | Minimum Lees Aging |
|---|---|
| Non-Vintage | 18 months |
| Satèn | 24 months |
| Rosé | 24 months |
| Millesimato (Vintage) | 30 months |
| Riserva | 60 months |
Comparison: Champagne NV minimum 15 months; Franciacorta requires MORE.
Pressure Requirements
- Standard Franciacorta: 5.0-6.0 bar
- Satèn: Maximum 5.0 bar (softer, creamier)
Dosage Classifications
| Category | Residual Sugar |
|---|---|
| Pas Dosé/Dosaggio Zero | <3 g/L |
| Extra Brut | <6 g/L |
| Brut | <12 g/L |
| Extra Dry | 12-17 g/L |
| Sec/Dry | 17-32 g/L |
| Demi-Sec | 32-50 g/L |
Enological Implications
Evidence-backed:
- Traditional method (metodo classico) produces finest bubbles
- Extended lees aging develops autolytic character
- Chardonnay dominates (similar to Champagne)
- Lake Iseo moderates climate
Operational observation:
- Cold stabilization before tirage
- Riddling (remuage) by gyropalette or hand
- Dosage determines final style
- Temperature-controlled cellars essential
Satèn: Unique Style
Characteristics:
- Lower pressure (max 5.0 bar)
- Blanc de Blancs (no Pinot Nero)
- Creamier, softer mousse
- “Satin-like” texture
- Unique to Franciacorta (no Champagne equivalent)
Frequent Compliance Risks
- Method: Traditional method mandatory (no Charmat)
- Lees aging: Strictly enforced minimums
- Satèn composition: No Pinot Nero permitted
- Pressure: Satèn max 5.0 bar
- Vintage labeling: 30 months minimum aging
Comparison with Champagne
| Aspect | Franciacorta | Champagne |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Traditional | Traditional |
| NV lees aging | 18 months | 15 months |
| Vintage lees | 30 months | 36 months |
| Rosé | 24 months | 15/36 months |
| Main grapes | Same (Chard, PN, PB) | Chard, PN, PM |
| Climate | Continental/lake | Continental |
Relevant Grape Varieties
- Chardonnay - principal variety
- Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) - structure and rosé
- Pinot Bianco - traditional Lombardy addition
- Erbamat - high-acid variety (recent authorization)
References
-
Consorzio Franciacorta (2011). “Franciacorta DOCG Disciplinare.” https://www.franciacorta.wine
-
European Commission (2024). “eAmbrosia - EU GI Register.” Link
-
Italian Ministry of Agriculture (2011). “Franciacorta DOCG Specifications.” Link
Last Updated: January 6, 2026