Franciacorta, my new favorite Italian bubbly!

Franciacorta is a DOCG sparkling wine from the Lombardy region in Northern Italy, located along Lake Iseo in the province of Brescia.  It is a premium wine, made in the champagne style (the second fermentation takes place in the bottle), and a bit more expensive than Prosecco from the Veneto region where the second fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. The primary grapes used are Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero, it can be vintage (dated) or non-vintage.

Franciacorta has a slightly softer, creamier mouthfeel than champagne, and is also made as a Rose'.  I'm seeing it more and more on restaurant wine lists.  When you see it, try it!  It's worth the little extra money and so much fun to compare to other sparklers.  Cin Cin!