LAKE ISEO AND FRANCIACORTA WINES
A treasure nestled in the foothills: Lake Iseo, or Sebino, is a small paradise nestled among the evocative peaks of the Prealpi Orobie. Gateway to the Val Camonica, one of the largest valleys in Lombardy, the lake offers enchanting views and a tranquil atmosphere that conquers visitors.
An easy and flavorful journey: Reaching Lake Iseo is simple: it is located halfway between Bergamo and Brescia, easily reachable by crossing the gentle morainic hills of Franciacorta, a land of bubbles renowned all over the world.
Picturesque villages and charming squares: The shores of the lake are lined with ancient villages that tell stories of a rich past. In Pisogne, the historic center revolves around Piazza Corna Pellegrini, where the 15th-century Church of Santa Maria della Neve stands, famous for the Romanino's pictorial cycle. In Lovere, listed among "The Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" since 2003, Piazza del Porto enchants with its palaces of harmonious architecture. Riva di Solto, with its lake port that preserves its medieval layout, invites you to stroll through narrow streets and ancient houses.
Iseo: the beating heart of the lake: Iseo, the capital of the lake, is a lively town that combines tradition and modernity. Its medieval historic center contrasts with elegant shops and restaurants overlooking the lakefront, creating a dynamic and welcoming atmosphere.
The Floating Piers: a work of art that illuminated the lake: In 2016, Christo's "The Floating Piers" artwork turned the spotlight on Lake Iseo. A floating walkway, formed by thousands of cubic meters of polyethylene covered in a shimmering yellow fabric, connected Monte Isola to Sulzano for 16 days, offering a unique experience to visitors.
Montisola: a timeless island: Set in the middle of the lake, Montisola offers a timeless atmosphere and a slow pace of life. Reachable by ferry from almost all the lakeside towns, the island invites you to take walks on foot, by bike or by scooter, to discover its small villages and unspoiled nature.
The ancient Valerian Way: a journey through history and nature: The eastern shore of the lake is crossed by the ancient Valerian Way, once the only way to reach the Val Camonica. Today, expertly restored and enhanced for tourist purposes, the itinerary offers a perfect blend of landscape, art, and history.
Discovering the Val Camonica: Starting from Iseo, a long trek divided into several stages leads to Edolo. Along the way you will meet Darfo Boario Terme with its famous Terme di Boario and the Camunian Rock Carvings National Park in Capo di Ponte, one of the largest complexes of engraved rocks in the world. From Edolo, the Val Camonica opens up in two directions: towards the Tonale Pass, with its renowned ski area and the famous Ponte di Legno, and towards the Aprica Pass, one of the access routes to Valtellina.
Lake Iseo: a land of experiences: In addition to its scenic beauty and picturesque villages, Lake Iseo offers a wide range of activities for all tastes. You can practice water sports such as sailing, rowing, windsurfing and kitesurfing, or go hiking or cycling on the numerous trails that wind through the mountains. Culture lovers can visit the museums and art galleries in the area, while gourmets can delight their palates with the typical products of the local culinary tradition.
A place to be experienced all year round: Lake Iseo is an ideal destination in every season. In spring and summer, the mild climate and long days invite you to enjoy the lake and its outdoor activities. In autumn, the colors of foliage offer breathtaking views, while in winter the snow transforms the landscape into a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
Franciacorta, nestled among the rolling hills and lush vineyards of Lombardy, is renowned for producing sparkling wines of the highest quality, known as Franciacorta DOCG. These wines, obtained from Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero grapes, are distinguished by their elegance, complexity, and finesse, the result of a rigorous and meticulous production method.
Key features:
Production method: Franciacorta is produced using the classic method, which involves second fermentation in the bottle. This process gives the wine its characteristic effervescence and aromatic complexity.
Grapes: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, and Pinot Nero are the main grapes used to produce Franciacorta. Each of them brings unique characteristics to the wine: Chardonnay contributes elegance and freshness, Pinot Bianco structure and longevity, Pinot Nero body and intensity.
Types: Franciacorta DOCG is available in various types, each with its distinctive characteristics:
Pairings: Franciacorta is a versatile wine that can be paired with a wide variety of dishes, from appetizers to first courses, from fish and meat main courses to cheeses. Its freshness and complexity make it an excellent companion for aperitifs and toasts as well.
Production: The production of Franciacorta is subject to strict regulations that guarantee the quality and excellence of the product. The grapes must be hand-picked and come from vineyards located in a specific area of Franciacorta. Vinification and aging take place according to precise rules, which require a minimum aging period on the lees of 18 months, 30 months for Millesimati, and 60 months for Riserve.
Conclusion: Franciacorta is an Italian wine of excellence that represents the fruit of an ancient winemaking tradition and a unique territory. Its elegance, complexity, and versatility make it a perfect wine to celebrate special moments and to accompany the best dishes of Italian and international cuisine.
