Terre di Franciacorta Bianco – White Wine

Although Terre di Franciacorta DOC are grown and produced in the area of Franciacorta, they are not to be confused with the “Franciacorta” variety of wines. While the Franciacorta wines are bubbly, sparkling wines, the Terre di Franciacorta Bianco are not making these wines great everyday table wines. Primarily from Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco grapes these wines have been developed to compliment the local cuisine. They may also be named as Curtefranca. This means Franciacorta in local dialect.

Various producers will use different percentages of Chardonnay from a 50-50 Chardonnay-Pinot Bianco mix to 100% Chardonnay. Additionally they may age the wine in either stainless steel vats to oak barrels. The final aging process may be as much as 12 months in the bottle. This wine has a higher alcohol content than most whites with a minimum of 12% per volume. The aging results in a robust white wine with distinct flavors of flowers and mature fruit. The body is full and envelopes the mouth leaving a hint of richness (as a butter sauce may do).

The color is hay yellow and may reflect some gold or green tones. This wine is best served a stemmed white wine glass at 12-15 degrees c. This wine is clean, dry, and smooth; structured with reasonable acidity. Terre di Franciacorta Bianco has distinct flavors of mature peaches and apples with an undertone of citrus. You will also find this wine as the house wine in many local restaurants at a very reasonable price.

The local cuisine intensely uses baked or broiled white meats, boiled meats, grilled meats, fresh cheeses and sweet water fish. This wine will accompany most local dishes superbly and will also be a great match for rice and pasta dishes with fish or white sauces.

Tags: Franciacorta Brescia Food and Wine Lombardia Italy