Photo credit: Franciacorta Consortium

Harvest season has arrived in Franciacorta, Italy’s premier sparkling wine region, and the news from the vineyards is promising. The Franciacorta press team recently shared that the first grapes were picked on August 10th, signaling the start of what is shaping up to be an exceptional vintage.

Despite scattered hail earlier this summer, the vineyards are thriving. Ample rainfall and cooler July temperatures created perfect ripening conditions, with grapes developing both vibrant acidity and higher sugars—ideal for the traditional method sparkling wines that make Franciacorta famous. As Emanuele Rabotti, President of the Franciacorta Consortium, explained: “Nature has given us balance and abundance: healthy grapes, good ripening, and extraordinary aromatic riches.”

What Makes Franciacorta Special

Franciacorta is located in Lombardy, northern Italy, between Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia. Though the area is small, it has become Italy’s most prestigious sparkling wine appellation, earning the coveted DOCG status.

Like Champagne, Franciacorta wines are made using the traditional method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. The main grapes are Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), and Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc), with the ancient variety Erbamat adding lively acidity. Longer aging on the lees than most sparkling wines gives Franciacorta its depth, complexity, and refined bubbles.

Producers to Try

If you’d like to explore the magic of Franciacorta for yourself, here are three producers to look for:

  • Bellavista – Known for elegant, age-worthy wines that showcase both power and finesse.
  • Barone Pizzini – A pioneer in organic viticulture, delivering wines full of freshness and authenticity.

Why It Matters

Each harvest tells a story, and in 2025 Franciacorta’s story is one of resilience, balance, and optimism. In a few years, when these wines are released, they’ll carry the essence of this season—bright, complex, and celebratory.

For wine lovers, this is the time to mark Franciacorta on your radar. The bottles that come from this vintage are certain to shine at your future gatherings and special moments.