Berlucchi

Guido Berlucchi – the founder of Franciacorta

Sometimes it only takes a single question to invent an entire wine region. In 1958, the young oenologist Franco Ziliani approached Count Guido Berlucchi in the historic caminadù hall of Palazzo Lana and asked what would happen if they produced a sparkling wine in the French style. The answer made wine history: in 1955, the two, together with Giorgio Lanciani, had founded the Guido Berlucchi & C. winery in Borgonato, in the province of Brescia – and in 1961, the first 3,000 bottles of Pinot di Franciacorta rolled out of the cellar. To this day, the winery honors this vintage with its '61 label .

Guido Berlucchi came from the old noble family Lana de' Terzi, who had already built the Palazzo Lana over a medieval structure in the 16th century; it acquired its present appearance in the 17th century. Franco Ziliani, in turn, had completed his training at the Alba Wine School and made a name for himself as a consultant to renowned wineries. The combination of aristocratic heritage and oenological expertise laid the foundation for everything that followed.

Family, continuity and renewal

Today, Franco Ziliani's three children , Cristina, Arturo, and Paolo, run the company in its second generation. They have not only preserved the brand but consistently developed it further and added new collections: Berlucchi '61, Berlucchi '61 Nature, and Palazzo Lana Riserva joined the classic Cuvée Imperiale. The result of this work: Gambero Rosso named Berlucchi "Winery of the Year 2022" on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the first Franciacorta vintage – an accolade that rarely seems so well-deserved.

Vineyards, terroir and sustainability

The Berlucchi vineyards stretch across 515 hectares south of Lake Iseo, on limestone and marl hills that impart a pronounced minerality and extended ripening periods to the wine, along with balanced acidity. The cool maritime climate of Franciacorta is no accident, but rather the foundation of the style.

Since 2016, all Berlucchi vineyards have been certified organic. This goes beyond a simple certification: with the Mille1Vigna project, the winery has analyzed and classified each vineyard to link the character of each wine with its specific soil type. Infrared aerial photographs assess the fertility of the land, the harvest time is precisely staggered for each plot, and fertilizer is applied only as needed. The grapes are harvested by hand and transported in small crates to ensure they arrive at the cellar undamaged.

Franciacorta – one of the strictest production methods in the world

Franciacorta received DOCG status in 1995 – the highest quality designation in Italian wine law. The method that Berlucchi has followed from the beginning is among the strictest in the world: The cuvée is filled with yeast and sugar, sealed with a crown cap, and undergoes a secondary fermentation in the bottle. The wine then matures sur lie in Berlucchi's historic cellars – for a minimum of 18 months for the entry-level range, and up to ten years for the prestige cuvées.

An overview of the wine lines

Cuvée Imperiale

The very first Franciacorta and the most recognizable face of the house – a symbol of the Berlucchi style for over half a century. The blend comprises 90% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir , the grapes sourced from the best vineyards in all 19 communes of Franciacorta.

Berlucchi '61

Named after its founding year of 1961, this line consists of 85% Chardonnay and 15% Pinot Noir . Secondary fermentation and sur lie aging last at least 24 months, followed by two further months after disgorgement. A more precise homage to its own history is hardly conceivable.

Berlucchi '61 Nature

Without any dosage, aged for at least five years: The Nature line represents the purest and most direct expression of the Berlucchi terroir – for all those who want to know what Franciacorta really tastes like.

Palazzo Lana

The crown jewel. Produced only in exceptional years and aged sur lie for at least ten years, this line bears the name of the family's historic estate. Wine Spectator awarded the 2009 Palazzo Lana Extreme 93 points – at the time, the highest score ever given to a Franciacorta.

Berlucchi at Vinoscout

At Vinoscout you'll find seven Berlucchi wines priced between €21.80 and €36.80. The Cuvée Imperiale DOCG Brut and the Cuvée Imperiale Max Rosé DOCG Brut are particularly popular, but the '61 Extra Brut and the '61 Satèn Brut also have their loyal following. The selection covers the entire range of styles offered by the winery – from the approachable entry-level Cuvée Imperiale to the characterful Extra Brut of the '61 line.

• Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée Imperiale DOCG Brut – EUR 21.80
• Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée 61 DOCG Extra Brut – EUR 21.95
• Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée Imperiale Max Rosé DOCG Brut – EUR 23.95
• Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée 61 Rosé DOCG Brut – EUR 23.95
• Berlucchi Franciacorta 61 Satèn DOCG Brut – EUR 23.95
• Berlucchi Franciacorta Cuvée Imperiale Dosaggio Zero – EUR 23.95