‘We Never Stop Learning—We Are Always Looking Ahead,’ Says Silvano Brescianini, President of the Consorzio Franciacorta, International (Non-U.S.) Wine Region of the Year | Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Wine Star Awards

Italy’s premier sparkling wine region has become a leader on the world stage.

Nestled in the province of Brescia, in the Lombardy region of northern Italy, Franciacorta has a rich history dating back centuries, but its modern rise as a world-class wine region began in the 1960s. At that time, the region’s potential was apparent, but its path to greatness was yet to be fully paved.

According to Silvano Brescianini, President of the Consorzio Franciacorta, the region’s journey toward excellence required a focused and forward-thinking approach. “We understood the potential, but we needed to build the foundation to achieve this,” Brescianini reflects. It was in 1997 that Franciacorta made a pivotal move by redefining its production regulations, lowering yields, extending aging periods and investing in new technologies. This transformation laid the foundation for Franciacorta’s commitment to quality, a commitment that has been unyielding over the past three decades.

Today, Franciacorta is home to over 120 producers, all united by a shared dedication to precision, sustainability and continual improvement. The region’s vineyards benefit from a unique microclimate, thanks to their proximity to Lake Iseo, combined with the rich soils of the morainic hills this unique combination provides the perfect environment for cultivating the grapes that form the backbone of Franciacorta’s wines: Chardonnay, Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir), and Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc). More recently, the region has embraced the native Erbamat grape, which adds a distinctive freshness to its sparkling wines, and has been exploring PiWi varieties, known for their resilience in the face of climate change.

“The past 35 years have been about learning,” Brescianini explains. “We know the vineyards, we understand the details, and we know the best ways to move forward. But we never stop learning. We are always looking ahead.” This philosophy of continuous improvement is evident not only in the wines themselves but also in the region’s embrace of cutting-edge technology and innovative farming practices. In 2019, Franciacorta partnered with local universities to conduct extensive studies on biodiversity, aiming to ensure that future generations of winemakers can continue to produce wines of exceptional quality while preserving the region’s natural environment.

Franciacorta’s commitment to sustainability goes hand-in-hand with its pursuit of excellence. Many producers in the region have adopted organic farming practices, and the region itself has taken strides to reduce its environmental impact, from energy-efficient wineries to sustainable packaging. These efforts underscore Franciacorta’s understanding that to thrive in an increasingly competitive global market, it must not only craft exceptional wines but also do so in a way that respects and preserves the land, its culture and its people.

Yet, despite its numerous accolades and successes, Franciacorta remains grounded in its values of humility and dedication. “At the end of the day, it is not about us,” Brescianini insists. “We have beautiful conditions here, and we are lucky. Our job is to continue working in a serious manner, to invest in the future, and to always strive to do better.”

This unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability and forward-thinking innovation is what sets Franciacorta apart, not just as Italy’s premier sparkling wine region, but as a leader on the world stage. As it looks to the future, Franciacorta will continue to sparkle, driven by its passion for excellence and its deep connection to the land that makes it all possible. This is why Wine Enthusiast is proud to present the 2024 Wine Star Award of Wine Region of the Year.

Wine Star Awards Award

25th Annual Wine Star Awards

Monday, January 27, 2025

The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square

Please join us in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Wine Enthusiast’s Wine Star Awards and congratulating the 2024 winners at the annual black-tie gala in January. Register for tickets and tables HERE.

For event inquiries on the annual Wine Star Awards gala, please contact LaShana Daniels at LDaniels@wineenthusiast.net.

The post ‘We Never Stop Learning—We Are Always Looking Ahead,’ Says Silvano Brescianini, President of the Consorzio Franciacorta, International (Non-U.S.) Wine Region of the Year | Wine Enthusiast’s 2024 Wine Star Awards appeared first on Wine Enthusiast.



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