How One Premium Italian Wine Is Finding Friends in High Places

"And though Prosecco from across the border in Italy has become a palatable and affordable alternative, champagne it ain't. But over the past 50 years the Italian wine industry has, in certain key pockets, been raising its game, refining its sparkling wines and elevating its growing, fermentation, and production in line with traditional French methods. Of course, technically you still can't call it champagne, because it's not French in origin; rules are rules."

"The Franciacorta region is close to the Italian lakes near Brescia, not far from Italy's fashion capital, Milan. According to legend, the area has produced wines since the time of the Romans, while the name itself said to be derived from French Cluniac monks who set up shop there in the medieval period. The region is spread over 200 square kilometers, an estimated one fifth of which is planted with vines. Last year, Franciacorta produced a collective 19.1 million bottles."

"But one Lombardy wine region, Franciacorta, has been giving the French a very real run for their money in terms of quality, and also making inroads at star-studded events here in the USA, like the Primetime Emmy Awards, where it has been the bubbly of choice for the past five years. Last weekend, the 77th Emmy awards featured Esquire favorite Nate Bargatze as host along with a bevy of TV stars."

Franciacorta, a Lombardy wine region near Brescia and Milan, has upgraded sparkling wine production using growing, fermentation and production methods aligned with traditional French techniques. The region's terroir features glacial moraines from receding glaciers and about one fifth of its 200 square kilometers is planted with vines. Historical roots trace to Roman-era winemaking and Cluniac monks. Last year, Franciacorta produced about 19.1 million bottles, making it a niche producer compared with houses like Moet. Franciacorta has also achieved visibility at major U.S. events, serving as the sparkling choice at the Primetime Emmy Awards for several years.

Read at www.esquire.com