FOLLOW THE PROCESS
Where is sparkling wine produced?
By switching the wine/method and selecting a process number, you can check what changes at each stage.
Bottle-fermented
Examples: Franciacorta, TrentoUses wine made by fermenting grapes. Variety and sparkling method are separate pieces of information.
To retain the carbon dioxide created in the bottle in the wine.
Contact with the lees affects aroma and mouthfeel. The duration varies depending on the appellation, wine style, and producer.
The method alone does not determine the final sweetness. Check the sugar content indication separately.
Tank method
Example: Main production method of ProseccoThis diagram shows an example of secondary fermentation, as in Prosecco. Do not apply exactly the same steps to all tank-method sparkling wines.
Fermentation in a tank capable of retaining carbon dioxide. The difference from the bottle method is the fermentation vessel.
Even using the tank method, the duration of lees contact varies. The method's name alone does not tell us the period.
Trap the gas and bottle. Dry or sweet can be confirmed by sugar content labeling.
This is a schematic diagram highlighting key steps to help understand the differences. The width of each step does not represent time. Specific production procedures and usage conditions vary by designation and wine.
FIELD NOTE 01
Topography south of Lake Iseo
Franciacorta is located in Lombardy, just south of Lake Iseo. The area around the lake features glacial landforms, which are a key element in understanding vineyard sites.
Simply classifying it as 'Northern Italy's sparkling wines' is not enough to pinpoint this place. By examining its relationship to the lake and the terrain, we can investigate the cultivation environment.
FIELD NOTE 02
Second fermentation in the bottle and the grape varieties used.
Franciacorta is made using bottle fermentation. Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Pinot Bianco, and Erbamat are among the authorized varieties, but not all can be used equally for every type.
You need to distinguish between the varieties permitted by the overall appellation and the varietal composition actually used in the specific bottle before you.
FIELD NOTE 03
Check the labelling and aging of type as well.
Satèn, Rosé, Millesimato, and Riserva are indications each with their own requirements. By checking what defines them—such as sugar categories or aging on lees—you can see the differences within the same region.
When comparing with Prosecco, the main points are production method and grape variety. For comparisons between Franciacortas, style and maturation details also become concrete points of comparison.
When comparing Franciacorta, in addition to bottle fermentation, compare the rules for permitted grape composition and types.
PAUSE & REFLECT
Check your understanding.
If it’s the same Franciacorta, are grape varieties and lees aging period always the same?
Read the explanation ＋
They are not necessarily the same. There are regulations for each type, and within those ranges, producers' choices of blend and aging differ. It is necessary to check the specifications of each individual wine.
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Chardonnay: reasons different whites can be produced from the same variety →
Sources and reference materials
These are the reference materials for the main text. For details of production regulations, consult the current documents. For individual wine specifications, refer to materials for the relevant vintage.
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