What You Need to Know about Wines and Vini Franciacorta Vini Franciacorta is a sparkling wine with DOCG

(Denominazione di origine controllata) status, meaning the controlled designation of origin is assured. Originating from Lombardy, these wines come from grapes grown in the Franciacorta territories at the Lake Iseo townships in Brescia Province.

Only sparkling wines from this area have the DOCG designation including the Franciacorta brut and rose. The grapes for this wine can only be from the vineyards in select communes such as Brescia, Rovato, Rodengo Saiano, Provaglio d'Iseo, Passirano and Paratico among others. The soils in these areas are granular-sized, rich in minerals and have calcareous gravel, making it possible to produce vini senza solfiti. The vineyards where the grapes are produced span 2,200 hectares (5,400 acres), while the grape varieties are 5% Pinot bianco, 10% Pinot nero and 85% Chardonnay. Non-vintage wine can only be released 25 months following harvest time. During that period, it must spend 18 months in contact with yeast. In the case of Franciacorta saten, it has to be Blanc de blancs, and only Pinot bianco or Chardonnay is permissible. Also, the atmospheres of pressure have to be 4.5 rather than the usual 6.

Millesimato or Vintage has to wait 37 months after harvest before being sold. During the entire period, it has to remain in contact with the yeast. The dosage designations meanwhile, are similar to those for champagne. Regardless of the vini Franciacorta, all the grapes have to be ripened in vineyards until they get the proper amount of sugar and acidity. During this period, white grapes get infected by the Bortrytis cinerea fungus, which produces the wines distinct aroma and concentrates the berry juice. The next step is to ferment the grapes with lactic acid bacteria and various

yeasts. Grapes can be further fermented by putting in yeasts necessary to develop its flavor.

The next step is filtration followed by stabilization after which the wine is stored in wood barrels and glass bottles. During this time, yeasts and bacteria in the wine further refine its taste. It goes without saying that winemakers have to monitor the fermentation process carefully so spoilage does not occur. More information is available here. If you are interested in Franciacorta DOCG and other wines, you can go to http://www.mirabellafranciacorta.it/ and buy online. The website has an extensive range of wines such as the IGT Sebino Vigna House, Rose Franciacorta, On Black Shadow and many others. Their website also has links to its vineyards, cellar and information about the company.