Italy — wine

Franciacorta DOCG

Italy's premier sparkling wine appellation from glacial moraines south of Lake Iseo in Lombardy. Traditional method (metodo classico) wines from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco with mandatory extended lees aging. Franciacorta Riserva requires 60+ months on lees, producing complexity that rivals Champagne.

Year Rating Notes
2022 Outstanding vintage; Chardonnay of benchmark mineral precision and longevity for Franciacorta.
2021 Consistent quality; fresh acid backbone ideal for long lees aging in Riserva production.
2020 Low yields produced Franciacorta of concentration; whites and Pinot Nero of depth.
2019 Good balance of ripeness and acidity for traditional method wines of elegance.
2018 Ideal Chardonnay vintage on glacial moraine; wines of exceptional freshness and fine bead.