espite its recent international success due to the introduction of the technique of making sparkling wines by the champenois method, the Franciacorta, was known until the middle of the last century for the production of much-appreciated still wines.The production zone is situated in the hills of the province of Brescia to the south of Lago d'Iseo. The unusual name, Franciacorta, appears to have been derived from an ancient term, "franca curte," that was applied to a vast monastic property that once included a great part of the district. As an ecclesiastical possession, it was free or "franco" of taxes.
However, other, more malicious explanations have been advanced, such as the argument that the name refers to the brief, or "corta," stay in the area of Charles d'Anjou and his French troops. It was brief because they were driven out in 1266.
The extraordinary development of the Franciacorta has been due not only to the appeal and the quality of its wines but also to the outstanding entrepreneurial capacity of the people of Brescia. They have intelligently promoted the production of their region, which has always been dedicated to the growing of grapes and the making of wines.
