Give Berlucchi Franciacorta a Swirl!: Italian Sparkling Wine Made in the Champagne Method

 
Cristina Ziliani is the woman behind Berlucchi. Her father, winemaker Franco Ziliani, joined forces with Guido Berlucchi and persuaded him to produce sparkling wine in the champagne style. 

 Italian sparkling wine is more than Prosecco and Berlucchi Franciacorta is one of the most intriguing and delicious. True trailblazers, in 1961 Berlucchi pioneered the production of sparkling wine made in the traditional champagne method in the northern Italian region of Franciacorta in Lombardy. When Berlucchi released their sparkling wine in 1961, it marked the very first time that the geographical area Franciacorta appeared on a wine label. Sparkling wines from Franciacorta achieved DOC status in 1967 and DOCG (the highest classification for Italian wines) in 1995.



In addition to the method, Berlucchi Franciacorta is produced with the same grapes as champagne - Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Unlike Prosecco which is produced from Glera grapes and tends to be on the sweeter side, Berlucchi Franciacorta '61 Brut ($31.99) offers more complexity and has beautiful brioche flavors with hints of pear and apple. With fine bubbles and a lingering finish, Berlucchi Franciacorta '61 Brut is elegant and festive. If you love champagne, you'll find very similar flavor profiles in Berlucchi Franciacorta. Berlucchi also produces a very fine sparkling Rosé. 


 
Berlucchi Franciacorta '61 Brut paired beautifully with Grilled Octopus, Smoked Potatoes, Pickled Red Onion, Radish, Chilies & Tonnato at Marea Restaurant.

Very food-friendly, Berlucchi Franciacorta '61 Brut pairs exceptionally well with seafood, light pasta dishes, mild cheeses, and desserts. So, if you're looking for an alternative to Prosecco, give Berlucchi Franciacorta a swirl!
And if you're planning a trip to Italy, Berlucchi offers tours of their wine cellar.

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