The Berlucchi family winery was founded in 1955 by Guido Berlucchi, Franco Ziliani and
Giorgio Lanciani. Together, they transformed Franciacorta into one of Italy’s most
prestigious regions for the production of sparkling wine. Franciacorta’s renaissance
began with Guido Berlucchi’s creation of the very first Classic Method wine in 1961. With
a pioneering spirit, Berlucchi introduced and promoted expertise that had not existed
in Franciacorta until that point, inspiring many other passionate, forward-thinking
producers to follow suit. Together, they transformed this region into the crown jewel of
Italian winemaking. From their estate in Borgonato, Guido Berlucchi follows a
philosophy of high-quality viticulture that is environmentally sustainable. After nearly 60
successful years at the helm of the company, Franco Ziliani passed his expertise onto
the next generation, his children Cristina, Arturo and Paolo. In 2022, Guido Berlucchi
was awarded the prestigious ‘Winery of the Year’ by Gambero Rosso.

Franciacorta, located in Lombardy between Brescia and the southern shore of Lake Iseo, is Italy’s premier sparkling wine region and the first to gain DOCG status for traditional-method sparkling wines. The region enjoys a mild, temperate climate influenced by the nearby lake and the foothills of the Alps. Warm days and cool nights help maintain acidity and aromatic complexity in the grapes, while occasional summer storms and humidity can increase the risk of fungal disease, requiring careful vineyard management.

The landscape is characterised by gently rolling hills formed by ancient glacial activity. As a result, the soils are extremely varied, comprising moraines of gravel, sand, silt and clay. These well-drained soils promote deep rooting and low yields, which in turn enhance concentration and finesse in the wines.

Franciacorta wines are made from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir) and a small proportion of Pinot Bianco. The region is divided into several communes, including Erbusco, Adro, Cazzago San Martino, Corte Franca and Passirano, each contributing subtle stylistic differences based on soil and microclimate.

Styles range from Brut and Satèn (a blanc de blancs style with lower pressure and creamy texture) to Rosé, Millesimato (vintage) and Riserva, which require extended ageing on lees. Typical flavours include citrus, green apple and white flowers, often with notes of toasted bread, almond and subtle spice from longer ageing. Overall, Franciacorta wines are refined, elegant and complex, offering Italy’s most serious and Champagne-like expressions of sparkling wine.

Chardonnay is one of the world’s most popular and versatile white grape varieties, originating from the Burgundy region of France. It is a relatively adaptable vine, thriving in a range of climates and soil types, making it widely planted across the globe. Chardonnay ripens early to mid-season and is known for its ability to express terroir, as well as respond well to a variety of winemaking techniques, including oak ageing and malolactic fermentation.

Today, Chardonnay is grown in nearly every major wine-producing country. In France, it shines in Burgundy’s Chablis (crisp, mineral-driven) and Côte de Beaune (rich, complex), and is also a key component of Champagne. In the New World, regions like California, Australia (Yarra Valley, Margaret River), New Zealand, and Chile produce diverse expressions, ranging from lean and citrusy to full-bodied and buttery.

Cool-climate Chardonnays tend to show green apple, lemon, and flinty notes, while warmer regions yield riper flavours like tropical fruit, peach, and melon. Oak-aged Chardonnays may exhibit vanilla, toast, and nutty characteristics, while unoaked versions highlight freshness and purity of fruit.

This remarkable flexibility makes Chardonnay a favourite among winemakers and wine lovers alike, offering a wide spectrum of styles and flavours.