There’s a moment when you’re planning a celebration, New Year’s Eve, a dinner party, a milestone and you instinctively reach for Champagne. It makes sense. Champagne does what it does very well.
But there is another option. One that feels just as special, a little less obvious, and very Italian.
It’s called Franciacorta. Franciacorta sparkling wine is Italy’s quietly elegant answer for people who love traditional Champagne.
And before we go any further, let’s clear something up: Franciacorta is not Prosecco. Prosecco isn’t meant to be Champagne, and Franciacorta isn’t trying to be either one. But if you love Champagne, Franciacorta is the Italian sparkling wine most likely to win you over.
Where Franciacorta Comes From (and Why That Matters)
Franciacorta is a DOCG sparkling wine from the hills surrounding Lake Iseo in Lombardy, just east of Milan. The region is known for rolling vineyards, lake views, and a deep commitment to quality. It’s also one of the most tightly regulated wine regions in Italy. I’ve visited this region and toured several of the vineyards, and their attention to detail in the Méthode Traditionnelle of sparkling wine creation, the traditional method of French Champagne, is top notch and impressive.
Unlike many sparkling wines, Franciacorta uses the traditional method exclusively, with the second fermentation happening in the bottle. The wines age longer, the bubbles stay finer, and the focus remains on balance, structure, and food-friendliness.
What Makes Franciacorta Sparkling Wine Different
If Prosecco is bright and easy, Franciacorta is more composed.
You’ll often see Franciacorta labeled Brut, Extra Brut, or Dosaggio Zero (sometimes called Pas Dosé). These terms refer to how much sugar is added after fermentation. The result is a drier, more precise wine that lets the character come through.
There’s also a uniquely Franciacorta style called Satèn. It’s made at lower pressure, which gives it softer bubbles and a creamier texture. The overall feel is restrained, elegant, and incredibly easy to love.
Franciacorta What to Look For (And Why I Like Them)
The selection you see in the images and video are wines I chose because they’re available in the U.S. and represent the region beautifully. Some of the Franciacorta I’ve enjoyed in Italy isn’t imported here, so the exact labels may differ. These bottles, however, capture the spirit of the region well.
Ca’ del Bosco
One of the most recognized names in Franciacorta and for good reason. Ca’ del Bosco is known for its meticulous approach, from vineyard to cellar, producing wines that feel polished, precise, and incredibly consistent sparkling wine.
If you’re coming from Champagne and want a Franciacorta that immediately makes sense in the glass, this is a beautiful place to start. Elegant, structured, and quietly confident.
Berlucchi ’61 Extra Brut
Clean, dry, and very precise. This is a great option if you gravitate toward Extra Brut or Brut Nature Champagne. Bright acidity, fine bubbles, and especially good with food.
Bellavista
One of my personal favorites. Bellavista wines are balanced, elegant, and quietly luxurious. This is the bottle I reach for when I want something special without making a big deal about it.
Vigneti Cenci Cuvée Satèn
A beautiful example of the Satèn style. Softer bubbles, a creamier texture, and a more delicate feel overall. Lovely as an aperitivo and especially nice if you prefer a gentler mousse.
When to Serve Franciacorta
Think of Franciacorta exactly the way you’d think of Champagne. If you’d open Champagne for the moment, Franciacorta belongs there too.
It wakes up the palate, feels celebratory, and has just enough structure to signal that something good is about to happen. But it doesn’t stop there. Franciacorta is equally at home at the table, especially with seafood, simple pastas, or anything that benefits from freshness and a bit of backbone.
In my Sgroppino Winter Cocktail, I reach for Franciacorta instead of Prosecco because I prefer more body, more restraint, and less sugar. It gives the drink depth without tipping it into sweetness and once you try it that way, it’s hard to go back.
Why Champagne Lovers Should Try Franciacorta
Franciacorta isn’t here to replace Champagne. It’s just another beautiful sparkling wine option, one that feels a little under the radar, a little more relaxed, and very much worth getting to know. Whether you open it for New Year’s Eve or a random Wednesday that deserves bubbles, it’s a wine that rewards curiosity without asking for attention.
And those are usually my favorite kind.
Salute,
Carrie
P.S.: if you ever want to visit this area, I can help arrange an itinerary for you and your group – just submit an inquiry here.
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