The Land of the Free (and Bubbly): Franciacorta
The softly rounded hills, bounded to the west by the Oglio river and to the northeast by the furthest extensions of the Rhaetian Alps, owe their ancient origins to the retreating glaciers which, over 10,000 years ago, formed the amphitheater where Franciacorta is nestled.
The morainic and marine origin gives to the soil of this area an extraordinarily rich mineral content that, together with the variety of its components and the distinctive microclimate, determines the key factors for a high quality viticulture.
Franciacorta’s origins are ancient and its roots lie in a land where grape growing has always been a constant. From the Roman era through the Early and Late Middle Ages, the favorable climatic conditions and soil types led to expansion of countless vineyards. In the years that followed, wine production grew at such a rate that it swiftly exceeded the needs of the local population. Set against a backdrop of wineries that no long produced wine solely for local consumption, Franco Ziliani produced the first “Pinot di Franciacorta” in the early 1960s. In doing so, he paved the way for amateur producers of sparkling wine before the category even existed. His work set the stage for the modern era of formalized production in Franciacorta.
With over the 55% of the organic vineyards, Franciacorta is internationally one of the first denominations for the share of organic viticulture. This trend is constantly increasing, together with the sensitivity of the producers and their desire to protect the future of the territory. Many companies, from large to small, are constantly committed every day in an effort to give a broader meaning to the quality of their wine, which should not only be understood as an organoleptic quality, but also as an ethical quality. Every step taken towards this great goal has been supported by the Franciacorta Consortium through numerous activities and projects, ie the Festival in Cantina and the Summer Festival.
In Franciacorta, dense forests form the backdrop for rows of vines and olive groves — the Sebino Peat Bogs, The Ome Botanical Gardens, The Monticelli Brusati Waterfalls, and of course, Lake Iseo — are a few of the beautiful landscapes and areas nature lovers marvel. Although Lake Iseo is one of the lesser known of Italy’s Lambard Lakes, this “romanitc lake”, as its called, has everything you need to enjoy as far as water activities, even sets a stage for artist like Christo’s ‘The Floating Piers’, but it is also a staple when it comes to Franciacorta’s traditional and innovated gastronomy. It is an abundant source of freshwater fish. Many delightful restaurants and trattorias of the area relish in serving the local catch.
Franciacorta isn't just a destination; it's the beginning of a journey you'll long to relive. Let the enchanting vistas of Lombardy, with its warm-hearted locals, gastronomic delights, and the symphony of finely crafted wines, be the canvas for cherished memories. We're sure you'll enjoy your time there.
