Region: Lombardia
History: Established as the Terre di Franciacorta DOC in 1995; name changed in 2008
Vineyard Area: 265 ha / 655 acres (2013, V)
Production: 12,400 hl (total 2013/14, V); avg. 158,000 cases bottled annually
Principal White Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco
Principal Red Grape Varieties: Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Merlot, Pinot Nero
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco (Wh): Minimum 50% Chardonnay; maximum 50% Pinot Bianco and/or Pinot Nero (vinified as a white wine)
RED WINES
- Rosso (Rd): Minimum 25% Merlot; minimum 20% Cabernet Franc and/or Carmenère; 10–35% Cabernet Sauvignon; maximum 15% OARG
Significant Production Rules:
- Maximum vineyard elevation: 500 m (1,640 ft)
- Minimum alcohol level: 11.0%, except 12.0% with vineyard designation
- Aging: For Bianco, minimum approx. 4 months (ERD = February 1, V+1); for Rosso, minimum approx. 8 months (ERD = July 1, V+1); for Bianco with vineyard designation, minimum approx. 11 months (ERD = September 1, V+1); for Rosso with vineyard designation, minimum approx. 22 months (ERD = September 1, V+2)
