Franciacorta DOCG is a classification for Italian sparkling wines produced in the area around Lake Iseo in Lombardy. The requirements to be classified as Franciacorta DOCG are the following:
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Geographical area: The winery must be located in the specific areas around Lake Iseo, where wine production is limited to ensure quality.
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Grape variety: Only the three grape varieties Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) and Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc) may be used.
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Vinification: The wine must be produced using the traditional method, where the grapes ferment twice, first in tanks and then in the bottles.
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Alcohol: The wine must have a minimum alcohol percentage of 12%.
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Aging: Franciacorta DOCG must mature for at least 18 months, of which at least 6 months must be in the bottles before it can be sold. There are three types of Franciacorta DOCG: Franciacorta, Franciacorta Millesimato and Franciacorta Riserva, the latter requiring a longer maturation period of at least 25 months.
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Control: The wine must go through an extensive quality control and expert assessment before it can receive the DOCG classification.
These requirements ensure that Franciacorta DOCG is one of the highest quality sparkling wines produced in Italy, with a unique taste and a good example of Italian wine culture.
