Franciacorta Brut
Must-SeeThe standard — 18+ months on lees. Chardonnay/Pinot Nero base. Crisp, elegant, with fine bubbles. €15-25. Italy's best-value premium sparkling.
Franciacorta Satèn
Must-SeeThe silk — Blanc de Blancs (Chardonnay only), lower pressure, creamy texture. "Satèn" means satin. The most elegant Italian sparkling wine.
Franciacorta Rosé
Must-SeeThe pink — Pinot Nero-dominant, copper-pink colour, red fruit and brioche. Increasingly fashionable and often outstanding.
Franciacorta Riserva
Must-SeeThe prestige — 60+ months on lees. Complex, toasty, age-worthy. Competes directly with vintage Champagne at half the price.
Ca' del Bosco / Bellavista
Must-SeeThe flagships — Italy's two most prestigious Franciacorta houses. Ca' del Bosco's Annamaria Clementi and Bellavista's Vittorio Moretti are world-class wines.
Where to start
Start with the classics, then explore the artisanal producers. Italian franciacorta rewards curiosity.