Few things capture the spirit of celebration quite like a glass of sparkling wine. From the joyful pop of the cork to the delicate rise of bubbles, every sip feels like a special occasion. Italy offers a rich variety of sparkling wines, but none shine brighter than Franciacorta. What truly distinguishes Franciacorta from other Italian bubbles like Prosecco or Asti Spumante is its production method — the traditional method, shared with Champagne, where secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle.
While winemaking in the Lombardy region dates back centuries, it was the vision of Guido Berlucchi and Franco Ziliani in the 1960s that transformed the area forever. Their shared dream of bringing the French method to Italy gave birth to the first Franciacorta — a turning point that would redefine Italian sparkling wine.
“What if…” & the History of Berlucchi
The story begins in the 16th-century Palazzo Lana Berlucchi, a grand estate once owned by the Lana de’ Terzi family. Its marble fireplaces and vaulted ceilings provided an inspiring backdrop for what would become a revolution in Italian winemaking.
In 1958, the young winemaker Franco Ziliani approached Count Guido Berlucchi in the historic “caminadù” room and asked a simple but daring question: “What if we made a sparkling wine the way the French do?”
It was the question that changed everything. After three years of experimentation, the 1961 vintage produced just three thousand bottles of the very first Franciacorta. When the bottles were opened the following year, the results exceeded every expectation — and the legend of Berlucchi was born.
The Legacy of Franciacorta Today
Today, Franciacorta stands proudly among the world’s top sparkling wine regions. Thanks to Berlucchi’s pioneering vision, countless producers have followed suit, strengthening the area’s reputation and earning DOCG status, Italy’s highest classification of quality.
Still family-run, Berlucchi remains the benchmark of Franciacorta. After Franco Ziliani, leadership passed to his children — Cristina, Arturo, and Paolo — who expanded the brand with three new collections: Berlucchi ’61, Berlucchi ’61 Nature, and Palazzo Lana Riserva.
The estate focuses on lower yields to ensure the highest quality grapes, creating wines that express both finesse and authenticity.
Traditional Method: The Art of Crafting Franciacorta
Berlucchi’s vineyards are home to Chardonnay and Pinot Nero, cultivated with meticulous care. The grapes are hand-harvested and gently transported in small crates to preserve their integrity. Once at the winery, they are pressed with precision to extract different fractions of must, each with distinct characteristics.
The clarified juice ferments in stainless steel tanks or oak barrels, becoming the base wine. Like a symphony conductor, the winemaker then blends different varietals and vintages to create the perfect cuvée — the foundation of Franciacorta. The blend is bottled with yeast and sugar, sealed with a crown cap, and undergoes secondary fermentation in the bottle, forming the signature fine bubbles.
After fermentation, the wine rests on the lees in Berlucchi’s historic cellars for a minimum of 18 months — and up to ten years for prestige cuvées — developing the rich, toasty aromas that define Franciacorta’s character.
Once matured, the bottles are riddled and disgorged, removing the yeast sediment. A small amount of wine and sugar, known as dosage, may be added to determine the final style. Finally, the bottles are corked, labeled, and aged for several more months before release.
For those exploring Franciacorta, understanding the label terminology is key:
- Pas dosé / Nature / Zero dosage – driest styles, under 3 g/l of sugar.
- Extra Brut – 3–6 g/l, Brut – 6–12 g/l.
Unique to Franciacorta is Satèn, a silky, low-pressure Blanc de Blancs with refined, gentle bubbles. Riserva wines age on the lees for at least five years, while Millesimato (vintage) wines are crafted from a single exceptional year.
The Berlucchi Collection
Berlucchi’s production is divided into four distinct lines: Cuvée Imperiale, Berlucchi ’61, Berlucchi ’61 Nature, and Palazzo Lana:
Cuvée Imperiale, known as “the life and soul of the party,” is the original Franciacorta — the sparkling wine that started it all. Versatile and vibrant, it’s ideal for any toast or celebration.
Berlucchi ’61 captures the carefree spirit of the 1960s with bright, crisp expressions, like the Extra Brut (85% Chardonnay, 15% Pinot Nero), marked by citrus and mineral notes.
Berlucchi ’61 Nature represents purity and elegance — aged for at least five years with no added dosage, it showcases the truest expression of terroir.
Palazzo Lana Riserva is the crown jewel: produced only in exceptional vintages and aged for nine years on the lees, it embodies the pinnacle of craftsmanship.
A Toast to Timeless Elegance
From its historic beginnings to its modern-day mastery, Berlucchi Franciacorta remains a symbol of Italian excellence and innovation. Whether you’re toasting life’s milestones or simply savoring a quiet moment, every bottle captures the artistry, heritage, and passion that define Italy’s finest sparkling wine.
No matter the occasion, Berlucchi Franciacorta is the perfect way to add a pop of celebration. Excited to try one of Berlucchi’s sparkling wines? Shop at your local Eataly or online at Eataly Vino to bring home a bottle today!
