Typically, large wine areas are not close to major urban centers. It’s easier to be close to villages or in areas far from the chaos, see the many vineyards in the mountains. There Franciacorta, in this sense, is a small miracle: it is the hilly area, all in the province of Brescia, which has as its borders the Oglio (the province of Bergamo begins on the left bank), the capital, the Bassa Bresciana and the lake of ‘Iseo. The name is the evolution of that Franzacurta – then we will explain where it comes from – which appeared for the first time in the annals of the Municipality of Brescia already in 1277. A territory dedicated to wine since Roman times, climatic conditions have always favored the growth of vineyards. It was the Venetians in 1429 who set the boundaries of the wine area, substantially the same as that recognized today: nineteen municipalities where the surface area of the vineyards reaches approximately 1500 hectares of vineyards, 840 of which are intended for the production of the prestigious DOCG. The best way to discover Franciacorta is to wander between the lake and the hills, perhaps by bicycle, on foot or on horseback, but obviously also by motorbike or car, letting yourself be captured by its fascinating tranquility. In particular after the harvest (finally lucky for the record after complicated years) before the cold season arrives. As in other areas of Italy, there is an official “Wine Route” that can be followed precisely. But we prefer to focus on the things we like most. Among these obviously the wineries with the usual (boring but right) recommendation: whoever drives must not drink, so if he is a teetotaler it is the best while if he loves wine he will return next time as a passenger, consoling you with the “galley” of purchased bottles that is transporting home.
Here is the list of previous episodes of Viaggio in Italia.
Trip to Italy: Franciacorta, itineraries by car and motorbike
