Grape Varieties

Which grapes go into Franciacorta? Mainly three: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco, known in English as Pinot Blanc. Since 2017 Erbamat has also been added, an old local variety that may make up no more than ten percent of the blend. Why it was approved at all is explained in our wine journey through Lombardy.

Chardonnay makes up the largest share of the vineyard area. It delivers citrus and apple, along with the structure and staying power a sparkling wine needs when it rests on the lees for years. It also gives the region its bright, clear character.

Pinot Nero, known to us as Pinot Noir, brings body and red fruit, cherry and strawberry on the nose. In Franciacorta Rosé it must make up at least 35 percent of the blend. More is allowed, so the Rosé turns out lighter or darker depending on the producer. Red wine may be blended in for color, though many houses instead draw the color from the skins.

Pinot Bianco may make up to half of the blend and makes the wine softer and rounder. Its strength shows especially where delicacy matters, namely in Satèn, which may consist only of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco. Pinot Meunier, so important in Champagne, is not among the varieties permitted in this zone.

Red grapes such as Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Nebbiolo and Barbera also grow in the area, but don't end up in the sparkling wine. They go into the still wine Curtefranca, which has carried that name since 2008 so no one confuses it with the sparkling wine Franciacorta.