Do not be surprised if you encounter a wide range of different types of wine in Franciacorta. After all, this is a land where man and the vine have been growing together since the 7th century AD. Perhaps even earlier.
Here is the range of classic method sparkling wines produced in the Berlucchi cellars.
The classic method sparkling wine produced in its most classic version. It was also the first Franciacorta to be made, back in 1961, right here in the Berlucchi cellars.
GRAPE VARIETIES:
Chardonnay and/or Pinot Noir. Sometimes also Pinot Blanc up to a maximum of 50%, and Erbamat up to 10%.
DOSAGE:
Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec o Dry, Demi-Sec.
As the name suggests, it is delicate and silky on the palate. What really makes it stand out is its very fine, almost creamy perlage, obtained by keeping the pressure in the bottle below five atmospheres at all times.
GRAPE VARIETIES:
Mainly Chardonnay. Sometimes Pinot Blanc up to a maximum of 50%.
DOSAGE:
Brut.
The classic pinkish colour is obtained by letting the must ferment in contact with the skins of the Pinot Noir. Moreover, the presence of Pinot Noir is what gives this Franciacorta the typical scents of the grape variety and a vinosity that makes it suitable for robust and flavourful pairings. The first Franciacorta rosé was produced in the Berlucchi cellars in 1962.
GRAPE VARIETIES:
Pinot Noir (at least 35%), Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc (maximum 50%), Erbamat (maximum 10%).
DOSAGE:
Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec o Dry, Demi-Sec.
The term “millesimato” indicates a bottle of Franciacorta that has been aged at least 30 months and in which at least 85% of the wine comes from the same vintage. Since there is no “assembly” of different years, the vintage demands an excellent harvest to be appreciated in its best form. Franciacorta, Franciacorta Satèn and Franciacorta Rosé can all be found as vintage wines.
DOSAGGO:
Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry. Vintage Satèn exists only as a Brut.
Franciacorta Riserva are vintage wines that produced only from exceptional years. According to regulations, they must rest on the lees for at least five years. This is the longest period of ageing in the bottle for a classic method wine, and the end result is a Franciacorta without parallel.
DOSAGGIO:
Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, Brut. Satèn Riserva exists only as a Brut.