Welcome to Drink This, Not That!—your guide to discovering wines beyond the usual suspects.
If you always reach for the same bottle, consider this your invitation to mix it up. Every other week, I’ll introduce you to a lesser-known but equally (if not more) delicious alternative to a wine you already love. It’s an easy way to expand your palate, support winemakers who are keeping tradition alive, and bring something unexpected to your next gathering.
Because if we celebrate diversity in life, shouldn’t we do the same in our wine glass?
Here’s what we’ve explored so far:
What Is Franciacorta?
Did you know that Italy has its own wine region known for producing exquisite sparkling wines in the same style as Champagne?
That region is called Franciacorta and it’s situated in Lombardy. Sparkling wines here are made in the traditional method, which means the secondary fermentation that produces all of those delectable bubbles takes place in the bottle. As opposed to the tank method, or Charmat method, used to make Prosecco, the traditional method is known to yield wines with greater complexity, enhanced structure, increased ageability, and a finer, more persistent perlage (bubbles).
History of Franciacorta
Franciacorta’s name traces back to the 11th century, when Cluniac and Cistercian monks from Cluny reclaimed and farmed the land, securing tax exemptions around the year 1100. These tax-free lands, known as Francae Curtes, eventually evolved into the name Franzacurta, first recorded in Brescia’s archives in 1277. The region’s soil and climate have supported vine growing since Roman times through the Middle Ages.
The Italians say Franciacorta was associated with sparkling wine even before Dom Perignon. In 1570, Brescian doctor Girolamo Conforti published Libellus de vino mordaci, one of the earliest works describing naturally bottle-fermented wines—referred to as “mordaci,” or lively and frothy—highlighting their popularity at the time.
A Napoleon-era survey in 1809 documented over a thousand hectares dedicated to “mordaci” wine production. Winegrowing steadily expanded, exceeding local demand and sparking early wine commerce. This evolution set the stage for Franco Ziliani, who, in the early 1960s, created the first Pinot di Franciacorta, paving the way for the region’s modern sparkling wine tradition.
In 1995, Franciacorta became the first Italian sparkling wine with secondary fermentation in bottle to achieve Protected and Guaranteed Designation of Origin (DOCG) status, guaranteeing its origin and production standards.
Review the full history of Franciacorta and the region’s elevation on the world stage here.
Grapes Used in Franciacorta Production:
Chardonnay: Accounts for around 75% of vineyard plantings in the region. Contributes structure, freshness, and complex fruit and floral aromas to wines.
Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir): Second most widespread variety claiming 17% of vineyard area. Typically planted at higher altitudes. Used mainly in Riservas, single vintage wines, and Rosés. It must account for at least 35% of the latter.
Pinot Bianco: Variety of French origins. Accounts for around 3% of total vineyard area, but it’s important to the cuvée, accounting for a maximum of 50% of the blend.
Erbamat: More recently added to the production regulations. Known for its pronounced acidity and zestiness. Can account for a maximum of 10% in all types except Satèn.
Types of Franciacorta
I’ve taken this information from the Franciacorta DOCG website. They’ve done a fantastic job with it, including detailed information on the history, wine styles, production methods, and even recommended food pairings for each of the following styles. So, check out the site if you’d like to dive deeper.
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay and/or Pinot Nero with Pinot Bianco allowed up to a maximum of 50% and Erbamat up to 10%.*
Production: Second fermentation in the bottle for a minimum of 18 months and time on the lees. Bottle pressure ranging from 5 to 6 atmospheres.
Dosage: Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec or Dry, Demi-Sec.
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay (primary) and Pinot Blanc up to a maximum of 50%.
Production: A rounded flavour resulting from carefully selected base wines and lower bottle pressure, maximum 5 atmospheres. The minimum ageing period on the lees is 24 months.
Dosage: Brut
Personally, Franciacorta Satèn is my favorite style. Since these wines undergo extensive aging on the lees, they have an incredibly plush mouthfeel with a creamy texture. Satèn wines have a fine, persistent perlage and I can’t get enough of the delicate white floral aromas intermingled with dried fruits, nuts, and toasty bread. That combination of Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc does something special.
Grape Varieties: Chardonnay (max. 65%), Pinot Nero (min. 35%), Pinot Bianco (max. 50%), Erbamat (max. 10%).
Production: Pinot Nero grapes ferment in contact with the skins for the time required to give the wine the required colour intensity. It is made with Pinot Nero base wine as rosé or red wine or as a blend with Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco base wines. The minimum ageing period on the lees is 24 months.
Dosage: Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, Sec o Dry, Demi-Sec.
The word ‘millesimo’ means that at least 85% of the wine comes from a single vintage. Millesimato is made only in especially good vintages and with longer ageing on the lees than in blends (non single vintage Franciacortas). It must spend at least 30 months on the lees.
Dosage: Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, Brut, Extra Dry, with the exception of Satèn Millesimato, for which only Brut is made.
Franciacorta Riserva are single vintage wines of especially high quality whose aromas and flavours are Franciacorta’s best and must spend many years on the lees. The regulations require it to spend at least 60 months on the lees.
Dosage: Pas Dosé, Extra Brut, with the exception of Satèn Riserva, for which only Brut is made.
Franciacorta vs. Prosecco
If you’re a fan of Prosecco, I’m right there with you. Especially Prosecco from the Conegliano Valdobbiadene Superiore DOCG. But Franciacorta is simply on another level. Here’s how they stack up:
Where Is Franciacorta Made?
Franciacorta lies just south of Lake Iseo, between the River Oglio and Brescia, framed by Monte Orfano to the north. Its striking landscape is shaped by an ancient glacial amphitheatre, formed during the secondary and tertiary geological eras by a glacier descending from the Camonica Valley. After passing the lake basin, the glacier split into two branches, the more substantial of which moved westward, leaving a lasting mark on the terrain.
The region’s topography reflects five key glacial periods. In the first, the glacier’s expansion created the initial moraine arc, while Montorfano—distinct in origin—rose through tectonic uplift. A second, more static phase gave rise to a higher, more prominent moraine arc. This includes notable western moraines near Monte Alto and a scenic eastern ridge stretching from Adro through Torbiato and Erbusco to Calino.
As the glacier gradually retreated in the final three periods, it deposited layers of moraine material, later topped by active soil, which formed Franciacorta’s characteristic rolling hills. These soils, rich in sand and silt but low in clay, are deep, permeable, and scattered with colorful stones once used to build local villas, farmhouses, and the iconic broli—stone walls enclosing homes and vineyards.
Located at the northern edge of the Po Valley and within the Alpine foothills, Franciacorta benefits from a continental climate softened by the moderating influence of Lake Iseo. This microclimate supports Mediterranean vegetation, from wild species to olive trees, lending the region unique biodiversity and agricultural identity.
Why Try Franciacorta?
Craving bubbles with real pedigree? Franciacorta has centuries of sparkling wine history.
Love Champagne but want to explore Italy? Franciacorta uses the same traditional method, with an Italian twist.
Prefer elegance over sweetness? These wines are typically dry, crisp, and beautifully refined.
Looking for a food-friendly fizz? Franciacorta pairs effortlessly with everything from seafood to salty snacks.
Want to impress your wine-loving friends? This DOCG sparkler is still under the radar outside Italy—but absolutely worth discovering.
Top Franciacorta Producers
There are a TON of wineries to explore in Franciacorta. You can find a pretty extensive list on the Franciacorta Consortium website here. I am by no means an expert in the region, but I do know these are some of the quintessential producers of the region. Plus, one at the end that I absolutely adore.
Signature Style: Rich, refined, and expressive.
Why they're iconic: Often considered the benchmark for Franciacorta, especially their “Annamaria Clementi” cuvée. Certified organic viticulture since 2014.
Fun fact: Known for their meticulous grape-washing process before fermentation called “the grape spa.”
Select Ca’ del Bosco Franciacorta wines are available on wine.com.
Signature Style: Elegant and balanced with aging potential.
Why they're iconic: A flagship producer with a broad lineup—from fresh non-vintage wines to complex vintages.
Fun fact: Their “Vittorio Moretti” is a sought-after prestige cuvée.
Select Bellavista wines are available on wine.com.
Signature Style: Crisp, pure, and sustainably made.
Why they're iconic: The first Franciacorta producer to go organic.
Fun fact: Strong focus on terroir expression and minimal intervention.
Signature Style: Textured, bold, and age-worthy.
Why they're iconic: A boutique producer known for precision and small-lot cuvées.They exclusively use the first-press must and age their wines on the lees for a minimum of 30 months as opposed to the 18 month minimum required by the consortium.
Fun fact: Their name is derived from “Erbusco Civitas,” the Latin name for their hometown.
Signature Style: Fresh, modern, and approachable.
Why they're iconic: A great intro to Franciacorta with excellent value.
Fun fact: Founded by the same family behind Bellavista—expect quality across the board.
Signature Style: Elegant, organic, and socially conscious.
Why they're iconic: A trailblazer in combining high-quality Franciacorta production with a profound social mission, providing employment opportunities for individuals with mental health challenges.
Fun fact: Their vineyard posts are painted blue, inspired by Marco Cavallo—a symbol of psychiatric reform and freedom.
For this episode of Drink This Not That, I uncorked a bottle for the Contadi Castaldi Satèn and savored the bottle with my parents. My mom, who doesn’t typically enjoy sparkling wines, asked for a second glass! She loved the wine’s soft, creamy texture and floral notes. This wine was beautifully layered with aromas of brioche, white flowers like jasmine and honeysuckle, juicy pear, and crisp green apple. So, elegant and refined with an enticing texture, crunch acidity, and lengthy persistence that keeps you coming back for more.
Give Franciacorta a Try
Franciacorta might not yet be a household name like Prosecco, but it’s absolutely worthy of a spot in your wine rotation—especially if you’re craving something with a little more finesse and complexity. With its traditional method production, DOCG status, and diverse styles ranging from the creamy elegance of Satèn to the structured depth of Riservas, Franciacorta offers a sparkling experience that’s both rooted in tradition and uniquely Italian. Whether you're toasting a special occasion or just elevating your Tuesday night takeout, this under-the-radar gem brings something truly special to the table. So next time you’re reaching for bubbles, think beyond Prosecco. Pop a bottle of Franciacorta—you might just fall in love.
Share this post