Franciacorta is a name that resonates with sophistication and quality, especially among those who appreciate fine wine. Franciacorta has become a symbol of luxury and Italian craftsmanship. Nestled in the hilly region of Lombardy, just east of Milan and near the shores of Lake Iseo, this relatively small wine-growing area has gained worldwide recognition for producing wines with taste and brand that once you experience you can never forget.
It became famous in the 1970s when a handful of progressive, innovative, and visionary wine entrepreneurs began making sparkling wines inspired by Champagne. One of these was Maurizio Zanella from the famous Ca’del Bosco. Maurizio Zanella has grown Ca’ del Bosco from a few acres under vine into a organically farmed, 600-acre globally known estate best known for its high-end and unforgettable Franciacorta wine.
Zanella was once one of the youngest producers in Italy’s Franciacorta region. Today and until forever he will be known as a legendary leader and change agent who shaped a whole regions brand image. As one of the most prominent advocates for the Franciacorta region and its wines Zanella has done so much for the region the Village of Franciacorata is dedicated to his Mother.
THE BEGINNING
After a life changing trip to France - Burgundy and Champagne -he decided that he wanted he wanted to make wine that the whole world would fall in love with. At 17 he told his father he wanted to build a cellar and try his hand at winemaking. A rebel with a cause, Zanella had an early desire to craft premium wines at at time when the region was more focused on quantity then quantity.
Zanella parents were excited and surprised about his new found love for wine, and supported his vision. He was also lucky to be able to find a mentor who helped to open doors around the world, connect with other winery owners and winemakers and shared his vision and philosophy around building a region crafting with world class wine. Together the two of them built a Ca' del Bosco from almost nothing to the superstar global winery it is today.
THE REGION
In the last few decades, Franciacorta has emerged from being an Italian secret to an internationally celebrated wine region. The soils in this area are built for the creation of sparkling wines. Rich in mineral deposits, these terroir adds to the complexity - and lovability to the wines. Franciacorta’s Mediterranean climate produces naturally riper wines compared to Champagne, often requiring winemakers to add a lower dosage—the addition of a small amount of sweetened wine to balance acidity—during the final stages of production. While low- or no-dosage wines have become increasingly popular in recent times, this practice has long been a natural fit for the region's riper profile. This beautiful combination of terroir and climate gives Franciacorta its trademark traits of freshness, finesse, and complexity.
IT'S ALL IN THE DETAILS
All of Ca’del Bosco’s vineyards are now certified organic, picked by hand and there is no detail that goes unnoticed. Their wines are made from the noble grapes of the region Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. Each of these grape bunches goes through their very own “grape spa” - which is is an exclusive system for washing and drying grapes that cleans the grapes before being pressed to obtain purity of fruit. The wine made from these grapes when they are pressed is more intense and purer, and expresses its aromatic potential to the fullest and at it's cleanest and freshest point - without all of the pesky extras that can sometimes get added to the mix!
Ca’ del Bosco also uses limited sulphur additions. Since 2012, they have started to print the exact concentration of sulfites in each bottle on the back label of each bottle. It is, on average, lower than 60 milligrams/liter: just one third of the maximum limit allowed.
There is no detail that goes unnoticed at the winery and the pursuit of perfection the Ca' del Bosco wines are one to admire. These wines are made for wine collectors, enthusiasts, sommeliers and everyone who enjoys a well crafted bottle of exceptional wine.
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This article reflects the research, writing, and personal experiences of Angela Aiello, also known as Super Wine Girl. As a respected and award-winning writer, educator, TV host, and industry professional, Angela has tasted over 15,000 wines throughout her career, traveled to more than 14 countries to study wine, worked a vintage in South Africa, and founded and sold the largest wine club in Canada. She also opened and taught at a wine school in Toronto for over eight years. Angela collaborates with various regions and brands to highlight their stories on her website and in other publications. While her tasting notes and wine reviews remain independent and authentically her own, it is important to note that this article may be sponsored.
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