The esteemed US publication Wine Enthusiast has awarded Franciacorta the title of “International Wine Region of the Year 2024” in its celebrated Wine Star Awards.
This award is one of the most prestigious honors in the global wine industry, recognizing Franciacorta’s remarkable ascent to prominence in both quality and market influence. In less than a few decades, Franciacorta has risen to become a benchmark for classic method sparkling wines not only in Italy but worldwide, capturing the attention of wine enthusiasts and industry experts alike.
Silvano Brescianini, president of the Franciacorta Consortium, expressed his pride and renewed determination: “This recognition fills us with pride and motivates us to continue on the path we have taken, with even more determination. We know that there is still a long way to go, but the results we are achieving, even at an international level, encourage us to work while respecting the land, with the aim of consolidating Franciacorta’s position as a global reference point for high-quality sparkling wines.”
Franciacorta’s Evolution: From a Promising Region to a Global Icon
Despite its relatively young status among the renowned wine regions of Italy, Franciacorta has already made an impressive impact. Located in Lombardy, Franciacorta boasts 3,000 hectares of meticulously tended vineyards and hosts 123 wineries. Together, they produce an impressive 20 million bottles annually, generating an estimated turnover of 500 million EUR, with wines positioned in the high-end market sector. The Franciacorta name has now become synonymous with quality sparkling wine production in Italy, with growing influence in international markets, particularly in the United States.
This accolade from Wine Enthusiast marks another milestone in Franciacorta’s journey. The Consortium recognizes that the award not only reaffirms the region’s success within Italy but also offers a critical boost to its visibility in the global market, with new avenues for collaborations and growth. This increased visibility is expected to further secure Franciacorta’s standing as a reference point for high-quality sparkling wines.
A Multi-Faceted Approach to Global Recognition
Franciacorta’s recognition is the result of a strategic, multifaceted approach that goes beyond just wine. The region has cultivated a brand identity through various events, partnerships, and initiatives that embrace a broader lifestyle appeal. Key milestones include the annual Franciacorta Festival, which celebrates not only the wine but also the gastronomic and cultural wealth of the region, and Franciacorta’s designation as the official sparkling wine of the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles, a partnership that brings the region’s wines to a global audience. Franciacorta also collaborates with the Michelin Guide Italy, where it serves as the “Sparkling Wine Partner” and backs the “Best Sommelier” award, underlining its commitment to fine dining and high-end hospitality.
Additionally, the Franciacorta Consortium established a partnership with the Michelin Guide in the United States in June 2024, a significant step in aligning Franciacorta with one of the most respected voices in global cuisine. These initiatives underscore Franciacorta’s dedication to elevating its brand through quality partnerships, tapping into diverse interests that include food, fashion, sports, and entertainment. This all-encompassing communication strategy positions Franciacorta as a sophisticated brand, resonating with a broad international audience.
Sustainability and Quality: Pillars of Franciacorta’s Success
Franciacorta’s success is also deeply rooted in its commitment to sustainability and quality. The region has taken significant strides toward responsible production practices, ensuring that its sparkling wines not only reflect the terroir but also support environmental and social sustainability. Brescianini and the Consortium emphasize that sustainable practices are an intrinsic part of their journey to produce wines that reflect respect for the land, community, and heritage.
Jeff Porter, an Italy writer for Wine Enthusiast, highlights the unique qualities that set Franciacorta apart: “This unwavering commitment to quality, sustainability, and forward-thinking innovation is what sets Franciacorta apart, not only as Italy’s premier sparkling wine region but also as a leader on the world stage. Looking to the future, Franciacorta will continue to shine, driven by a passion for excellence and the deep connection to the land that makes it possible.”
An Award to Celebrate: The Wine Star Awards Gala
Franciacorta will officially receive this esteemed award on January 27, 2025, at the Black Tie Gala held at the Westin St. Francis in San Francisco. The event will also be featured in Wine Enthusiast’s Best of Year issue, showcasing Franciacorta to a wide readership. Remarkably, this recognition comes only a year after Ca' del Bosco, an iconic Franciacorta winery, was awarded “European Winery of the Year” in 2023. This consecutive recognition signals the international wine industry’s growing admiration for the region’s contributions to excellence and innovation in sparkling wine production.
Source: WineNews