Italy’s richest region has the Alps to the north and the shores of Lake Garda to the west. These, as well as smaller lakes and hills, have a huge influence on the style of wine produced. The jewel in the crown of Lombardy is the fashionable city of Milan. Although there are 22 DOC and five DOCG zones in Lombardy, most of the wine grown there is for local consumption and rarely enters the export market.
Franciacorta
Franciacorta is a DOCG sparkling wine made in the traditional way. That’s why some call it Italy’s answer to champagne. It is also made from similar grape varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Pinot Bianco (instead of Pinot Meunier). Franciacorta wines must spend a minimum of 18 months on the lees – this increases to 30 months for vintage wines and 5 years for Riserva wines.
What is the flavor of Franciacorta? Refined and elegant, Franciacorta often has notes of light citrus fruits such as lemon, combined with tones of aging – roasted nuts, brioche and dried fruits.
