Franciacorta is a historic region located in the Province of Brescia, Lombardy, Italy, with a population of approximately 158,249 residents. This area is renowned for its wine production, featuring world-famous wineries such as Berlucchi, Bellavista, and Ca' del Bosco. The name "Franciacorta" first appeared in 1277 and is derived from the Italian phrase “corti franche,” which refers to medieval villages that were exempt from taxes or levies. Franciacorta is also the name of the sparkling wine from the Italian province of Brescia in Lombardy, recognized with DOCG status. It is produced using the traditional method from grapes grown in the Franciacorta region, which is situated on the hills between the southern shore of Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia. The region was awarded DOC status in 1967. In 2025, some highly recommended vineyards in Franciacorta to visit include Ca' del Bosco, Barone Pizzini, Ricci Curbastro, and Bonfadini Franciacorta. These wineries are known for their exceptional Franciacorta wines, unique experiences, and commitment to sustainability.
Set upon 500 hectares of vineyards, Guido Berlucchi is Franciacorta's largest winery and produces over 4 million bottle per year. In 1961, the Berlucchi Vineyard created the first ever Franciacorta wine. Today the Franciacorta Method is one of the strictest sets of specifications in the world in terms of productive yields and months of ageing. With the 1961 harvest, they crafted the first 3,000 bottles, officially marking the birth of Franciacorta. Today, the winery operates over 450 hectares of vineyards, with 143 of those hectares owned and certified organic since 2016. Berlucchi Franciacorta stands as an exemplar of excellence in this esteemed region of Italy, where wine has always played a leading role. I Classici, I Moderni, and I Preziosi are the three options available for a guided tour that includes a tasting session. Each tour takes you ten meters underground, in the heart of Franciacorta, where Berlucchi's finest wines are aged. You will also have the opportunity to see the very first bottle of Franciacorta ever produced.
Palazzo Lana is the cultural heart of Berlucchi, offering exclusive Gli Esclusivi experiences for a select group of visitors. These personalized tours immerse guests in the winery's rich history, featuring the historic cellar where the first Franciacorta Metodo Classico was stored in 1961.
The tour includes access to Palazzo Lana, typically closed to the public, allowing visitors to appreciate its beauty and stories. Experiences culminate in a tasting of exceptional Franciacorta wines, notably the Riserva Palazzo Lana Extreme 2013, a pure Pinot Noir from surrounding vineyards. Established by Guido Berlucchi in 1955, Franciacorta is celebrated as Italy's premier Metodo Classico.
The Restaurant La Leggenda dei Frati in Florence embodies a passion for cooking and a desire to explore the abundant possibilities offered by the land, all while continually evolving and expressing wonder. Deeply rooted in Tuscany, the restaurant emphasizes the rich ingredients and raw materials available in this vibrant region. Chef Saporito has crafted an exceptional dish to pair with Berlucchi Cuvée JRE n°6, a Franciacorta wine specifically created by Berlucchi for the chefs of the JRE association, to which he belongs. His signature dish, La Terrina, has been a beloved staple of the restaurant since 2004 and reflects his unique interpretation of Tuscan cuisine. This dish features chicken livers enriched with Lardo di Colonnata, accompanied by a Crème Caramel of livers and stuffed with dried figs for added sweetness. It is served alongside a special bread known as Pan dei Santi.
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