Discovering Franciacorta Wine in Edinburgh

franciacorta wine italy

Franciacorta, Italy’s answer to Champagne

Franciacorta is a wine you might well be seeing a lot more of.  Producers and exporters of this sparkling wine gathered in Edinburgh to show off their wares.  Not one to hold back from a taste of some fine wine, we headed along to one of the sessions at the Hub at the top of the Royal Mile to discover more.

franciacorta wine italy event in edinburgh
The wine comes from the region between Bergamo and Brescia

History

Italy is, of course, renowned for its wine, whether it be Pinot Grigio, Chianti, Prosecco etc…but the Franciacorta name didn’t appear onto the scene until around until 1957 when Guido Berlucchi released a white wine named Pinot di Franciacorta. Originating in the Province of Brescia (Lombardy), it became the first DOC to specify that its sparkling wines must be made by Metodo classico (the traditional method used also for making Champagne). In 1990, the Consorzio per la tutela del Franciacorta was formed, instigating codes of self-regulation with a gradual reduction of yields.  Franciacorta progressed to DOCG status (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) meaning that the wine producers followed the strictest regulations possible when making the wine.

franciacorta wine italy event in edinburgh

Grapes

The grapes are grown in mineral-rich soils with DOCG-declared vineyards of around. 2,200 hectares (5,400 acres).  The permitted grape varieties are 85% Chardonnay, 10% Pinot nero and 5% Pinot bianco.

franciacorta wine italy event in edinburgh

Non-vintage Franciacorta (NV) is only released after at least 25 months after harvest, of which 18 months must be in contact with the yeast in the bottle.

franciacorta wine italy event in edinburgh

Franciacorta Vintage or Millesimato may not be sold until at least 37 months after harvest, of which 30 months must be in contact with the yeast.

franciacorta wine italy event in edinburgh

A Franciacorta rosé must contain at least 15% Pinot nero.

franciacorta wine italy event in edinburghFranciacorta Satèn must be a Blanc de blancs with only the use of Chardonnay and/or Pinot bianco permitted, with only 4.5 atmospheres of pressure instead of 6.

franciacorta wine italy event in edinburgh

In our opinion, better than Prosecco and cheaper than Champagne! Find out more about the wine at Franciacorta.net and upcoming wine events from Wine Events Scotland.

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Emma

Emma

Hello!

I am Emma and with my husband Mark write Foodie Explorers, which is a food and travel website.

I am a member of the Guild of Food Writers and British Guild of Travel Writers.

We have a wide range of judging experience covering products, hotels and have judged, for example, for Great Taste Awards and Scottish Baker of the Year.

Along the way Mark gained WSET Level 2 in Wine and I have WSET Level 2 in Spirits as well as picking up an award with The Scotsman Food and Drink Awards.    

Usually I can be found sleeping beside a cat.

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