Best Franciacortas 2022: the Italian sparkling wine you must try!

Best Franciacortas 2022: the Italian sparkling wine you must try!

Credit Sergio Rota

A short guide to the best Franciacorta wines out there!

We already discussed how there is no such thing as Italian Champagne. Champagne is from Champagne region in France. It can’t be from anywhere else!

We also already discussed how Italian sparkling wine does exist, it’s delicious and it’s not all about Prosecco! There are many styles, from different regions and many diverse grapes.

One of the (still) well-kept secrets of the Italian sparkling wine scene is Franciacorta! Franciacorta is made with the Traditional Method in an area of Northern Italy that 10,000 years ago was covered in glaciers. Nowadays, they have left behind a mineral-rich soil, super appreciated as sparkling wine terroir!

You love all this interesting theory but prefer the practice? You really wanna get to taste some of these lovely bubbly? 

Here is a list of the best Franciacorta to try in 2022:

  1. Quadra "Brut Satén" 2010
  2. Castello Bonomi "Franciacorta Brut DOCG “CruPerdu”" 2009
  3. Terre di Conti di Ducco "Caramel - Demi Sec" 2020
  4. Le Marchesine "Brut" NV
  5. Ca' dei Pazzi "Saten" NV

My top 5 Franciacorta DOCG wines

1

Quadra "Brut Satén" 2010

Chardonnay / Pinot blanc

The 2010 Quadra Brut Satén has an attractive hay colour with golden hues.

On the nose a note of read crust prevails to then leave space to fresher aromas of candied lemon zest, yogurt and white peach pulp.

The bubble is fine and persistent.

The wine is still fresh yet elegant. It’s an incredibly easy to drink Franciacorta.

A White Sparkling - Traditional wine from Franciacorta🇮🇹Italy

Points:

92
2

Castello Bonomi "Franciacorta Brut DOCG “CruPerdu”" 2009

Chardonnay / Pinot noir

The 2009 Franciacorta Brut DOCG “CruPerdu” from Castello Bonomi has a complex bouquet.

The nose is reminiscent of an apricot tart with its buttery short pastry, the tingly note of cream and the more ample character of the apricot. Vanilla ice cream.

The mouthfeel is pleasant with very fine, persistent bubbles, almost petillant.

On the palate I find marzipan and sour cherry.

Medium long finish.

A White Sparkling - Traditional wine from Lombardy, Franciacorta🇮🇹Italy

Points:

90
3

Terre di Conti di Ducco "Caramel - Demi Sec" 2020

100% Chardonnay

Caramel 2020 from Terre di Conti di Ducco has a straw yellow colour and a fine, persistent perlage.

On the nose it’s round and fragrant with notes of bread crust and nuts but also marzipan and a candied lemon.

The mouthfeel is very pleasant, round with tingly, fine bubbles. On the mouth notes of nuts and a refreshing citrusy note are back.

The finish is long and very satisfying, perfect to pair with desserts!

A White Sparkling - Traditional wine from Franciacorta🇮🇹Italy

Points:

90
4

Le Marchesine "Brut" NV

Blend of Chardonnay / Pinot blanc / Pinot noir

This Franciacorta nose is incredibly attractive.

The bouquet is complex with lemon, yogurt, and orange blossom. Bread crust and fresh butter notes round up the fresher aromas.

On the mouth the NV Brut from Le Marchesine is elegant, the bubble is fine and persistent.

The finish long.

A White Sparkling - Traditional wine from Franciacorta🇮🇹Italy

Points:

89
5

Ca' dei Pazzi "Saten" NV

100% Chardonnay

Great as an aperitif, the NV Saten from Ca’ dei Pazzi has a bouquet that opens with notes of grapefruit and breadcrumb to then grow softer with marzipan.

The bubbles are fine, the mouthfeel pleasant and tingly.

The finish is medium and elegant.

A White Sparkling - Traditional wine from Lombardy, Franciacorta🇮🇹Italy

Points:

88

Do you wish you could taste more Italian sparkling wine? Are you looking for a wine gataway in the Belpaese?

Check out this guide to the best wineries to visit in Franciacorta!