The Italian wine region of Franciacorta is nestled between Milan and Verona. Franciacorta is filled with picturesque landscapes, vineyard-covered hills and charming villages. It is here where lovers of fine bubbly wines can indulge themselves in the art of fine wine, tour fascinating vineyards and enjoy truly wonderful culinary experiences. Catering to lovers of fine wine, this region is a place to discover, and travel to and is Italy’s beloved sparkling wine destination.
Franciacorta and its sparkling wine
Documented as far back as 1277, this wine region is ready to welcome you with a glass of extraordinary sparkling wine. A region in Lombardy, located in northern Italy, Franciacorta is renowned for its production of high-quality sparkling wine made using the traditional method.
The main grape varieties used in the production of Franciacorta wines are Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Blanc. The wines from this region are known for their elegance, complexity, and high international acclaim. The wines of Franciacorta are produced in different styles, including non-vintage, vintage, and rosé, catering to various premium styles and taste preferences. You may come across terms such as Satèn – indicating a silky and smooth sparkling wine. Millesimato – indicating a vintage-dated wine and Pas Dosé – is a wine made without traditional dosage.
The mother of Franciacorta
With 65% of the vineyards organically farmed and wine country just an hour’s drive from Milan, the Franciacorta region is a naturally shaped amphitheatre overlooking Lake Iseo. At the heart of the Franciacorta region lies Mosnel Winery, Mosnel’s centuries-old residence, 16th-century wine cellars and surrounding vineyards, are an eloquent testimony to the age-old winemaking traditions of this famous wine. Inherited in 1836 by the Barboglio family, fourth-generation Emanuela Barboglio exchanged fruit trees for vines and planted the first specialized vineyards of the newly-introduced Franciacorta DOC designation.
“Our estate in Camignone was inherited by my mother’s family in 1836 from an ending branch of the family. It was at that time the summer house of the family with a farm producing wine and cereals. It was my mother Emanuela Barboglio who decided to live all year in her adored Camignone and to focus on wine at the end of the 60s when the Franciacorta DOC was established,” said Lucia Barzanò.
Known as the “Mother of Franciacorta” Emanuela Barboglio was one of the pioneers of the area and is one of the founders of the Franciacorta Consortium, establishing the DOCG recognition in 1995. Survived by her children Giulio and Lucia Barzanò, the two are now at the helm of the winery. Both grew up at the winery and have learned the ropes to produce world-class sparkling wines. Giulio and Lucia understand how to connect with nature and craft exquisite wines from impeccable fruit. Mosnel is organic certified and has been since 2014. Focusing on enhancing biodiversity and fostering a low carbon footprint the winery practices sustainable methods both at the winery and winemaking level. Every grapevine at the winery is also hand-tended and 100% of the grapes are hand-picked, making wine from only the highest quality of fruit. Gaining awards, Mosnel sets the standard for quality in the region. They are known locally and internationally for crafting delightful and crave-worthy wines.
The word Mosnel is Celtic for ‘rock pile’, and the winery produces unbelievably superb sparkling wines. From Brut to Brut Rosé, Pas Dosé, Brut Nature, Satèn, EBB Extra Brut Millesismato, Parosé, Riserva and more, these wines can only be found around the world in only the most special of restaurants and locations. Barzanò says that the Satèn is an extremely rare and special bottle of wine made at the estate. “A very important product is our Satèn, which is obtained only from white grapes, with smooth and fine bubbles coming from a lower pressure, that is a trademark, which only Consortium members are entitled to use,” she explains.
What makes Mosnel unique comes from its great attention to detail and dedication to growing the best fruit possible. “We see ourselves as a wine producer first. The fact that the wine we produce is sparkling comes after,” says Barzanò.
Carefully supervising each step of a detailed process in making premium sparkling wine, the portfolio at Mosnel is made with a clear and simple purpose: producing a wine of the utmost highest quality and only producing bubbles in the traditional method with secondary fermentation occurring in the bottle.
“We use just our own grapes coming from vineyards that we deeply know, with at least an average age of 20 years, we have a good percentage of Pinot Bianco (15 % of the winery’s vineyards) which is very important to define our style. The elegance shown at all levels is partly due to the fact that one-third of each wine parcel is aged in small barrels (barriques), which is true for both vintage and non-vintage wines. Fermentation in oak provides more complex aromas on the nose and a greater smoothness on the palate,” expresses Barzanò.
Another unique feature of Mosnel is the long aging process that each bottle undergoes. Wines are aged for 24 months minimum even though the requirement is only for 18 months adding complexity to the final taste and mouthfeel.
“My favorite everyday Franciacorta is Pas Dosé and for special occasions is our Franciacorta Extra Brut EBB Millesimé, the one we dedicated to our mother (EBB stands for Emanuela Barzanò Barboglio),” states Barzanò. The more interesting is Franciacorta Rosé Pas Dosé “Parosé” millesimé, a real challenge at the beginning (2001 vintage). It was the first Rosé Pas Dosé and was seen as something weird, but now very appreciated and has won awards.
Wine tourism
Discover Mosnel for yourself, by purchasing these wines and tasting them in your home (in Ontario they can be purchased via The Gibson Family Group). The winery, its history and its famous wines are appreciated by wine legends, sommeliers, journalists and critics around the world. At the winery, Mosnel offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, cultural exploration, and, of course, the opportunity to savour some of Italy’s finest sparkling wines in an authentic setting. Be sure to stop in a Mosnel, take a bike ride or walk through the vineyard and book a tasting via their website if you’re ever visiting.
Plan your wine route on the Strada del vino Franciacorta and spend some time discovering this magical place. The region offers a range of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels. The hospitality in the area is often praised, providing visitors with a comfortable and welcoming stay. The region offers a range of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels. The hospitality in the area is often praised, providing visitors with a comfortable and welcoming stay. The region offers a range of accommodations, from cozy bed and breakfasts to luxurious boutique hotels. The hospitality in the area is often praised, providing visitors with a comfortable and welcoming stay. In addition to its wine culture, Franciacorta also has historical and cultural attractions that are worthy of seeing. You can explore charming villages, historical sites, and architectural landmarks, gaining insight into the local heritage.
