Franciacorta DOCG

Franciacorta DOCG is one of Italy’s key references for the Traditional Method. Produced in Lombardy mainly from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, it may also include Pinot Blanc and Erbamat as allowed by the production regulations.

Franciacorta stands out for the finesse of its perlage, aromatic complexity and ability to evolve thanks to ageing on the lees. The Cantinium Shop selection focuses on vintage cuvées and riservas characterised by long ageing, low dosage and strong territorial identity.

The selection includes Francesco Battista Riserva 2012, Francesco Battista Riserva 2013, Opposè Cuvée 2016 and Mariadri Cuvée 2016, with lees ageing from over 60 up to 90 months.

In Franciacorta DOCG, the Traditional Method involves secondary fermentation in the bottle and a period of ageing on the lees, which helps define structure, aromatic complexity and the finesse of the perlage.

During ageing, autolysis processes develop, bringing notes of bread crust, pastry, dried fruit and greater creaminess. The Franciacorta territory, with glacial soils, varied exposures and the influence of Lombardy’s lakes, favours wines that combine freshness, elegance and depth.

Vintage cuvées are produced from grapes harvested in a single year and allow the character of the vintage to be interpreted with greater precision. They are wines designed to express identity, balance and ageing potential.

Riservas represent an even deeper selection, with extended ageing on the lees and greater aromatic complexity. In the Cantinium Shop selection, Francesco Battista Riserva 2012 and Francesco Battista Riserva 2013 reach 90 months on the lees and are zero dosage, while Opposè Cuvée 2016 and Mariadri Cuvée 2016 express vintage interpretations with extra brut dosage of around 3 g/l.

The Cantinium Shop selection includes Franciacorta DOCG wines produced by I Barisèi, a family winery linked to the Bariselli family and the territory of Erbusco and Corte Franca.

The selected labels show a style focused on long lees ageing, low dosage, aromatic precision and strong territorial identity.

Selecting a collectible Franciacorta means focusing on labels with long ageing on the lees, low dosage and the ability to evolve even after disgorgement.

Riservas with extended ageing develop greater aromatic complexity, structure and depth. In the Cantinium Shop selection, Francesco Battista Riserva 2012 and Francesco Battista Riserva 2013, together with vintage cuvées such as Opposè Cuvée 2016 and Mariadri Cuvée 2016, represent interpretations oriented towards evolution, aromatic precision and persistence over time.

A high quality Franciacorta DOCG, especially when vintage or riserva, can evolve positively for several years after disgorgement. Wines with long ageing on the lees tend to develop greater complexity, creaminess and tertiary notes.

Ageing potential depends on vintage, structure, dosage and storage conditions. To preserve the aromatic profile, bottles should be kept in stable conditions, away from direct light and temperature fluctuations.

Choosing a Franciacorta depends on the desired style and drinking occasion. Chardonnay based cuvées tend to express finesse, creaminess and more elegant notes, while Pinot Noir contributes structure, depth and greater tension on the palate.

Those looking for a more vertical and gastronomic wine may prefer low dosage styles, such as extra brut or zero dosage. Those seeking greater complexity may opt for riservas or vintage cuvées with long ageing on the lees.