A Day in Franciacorta
A Day in Franciacorta
On Monday, November 17, the Bachelor’s students in Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management had an intense and inspiring educational experience in Franciacorta, the heart of Lombardy’s sparkling wines.
The day was structured around two main activities: a visit to the Consorzio per la Tutela del Franciacorta, and in the afternoon, a tour of the Ca’ del Bosco winery.
Discovering the Franciacorta Consortium
The meeting with the Franciacorta Consortium, headquartered in Erbusco, offered students an institutional overview of the region and its production system. According to its official website, the Consortium today brings together over 120 member wineries and is tasked with protecting and enhancing the Franciacorta designation.
During the presentation, the students delved into the Franciacorta DOCG regulations, the rigorous production criteria, and the importance of the “traditional method” with bottle fermentation, which requires extended aging periods.
The discussion with Consortium representatives sparked reflections on sustainability, quality, and the role of the Brescia region in the international wine market.
Tour of the Ca’ del Bosco Winery
In the afternoon, the students were welcomed at Ca’ del Bosco, an emblem of Franciacorta excellence. Located in Erbusco, the winery is renowned for its organic viticulture and commitment to biodiversity: approximately 281 hectares of vineyards, along with woods, meadows, and olive groves, create a complex and harmonious ecosystem.
The students took part in a guided tour of approximately two hours, covering the production areas, vineyards, modern winemaking facilities, and the spectacular underground cellars. Special attention was given to the “Ca’ del Bosco Method,” a process distinguished by meticulous attention to detail: from soaking the grapes in special tanks, to the oxygen-free drying system, and the use of gravity for racking, which eliminates the need for pumps.
The visit was enriched by reflections on the company’s history: the students learned how Ca’ del Bosco, founded as a small house in the woods in 1968, became a benchmark in the industry thanks to Maurizio Zanella’s vision and his passion for art, the territory, and innovation.
This day gave the students not only an immersion into the world of Franciacorta, but also a tangible lesson in how sustainability, tradition, and innovation can coexist in a high-end winery. They were able to see firsthand how wine, management, and hospitality intertwine, providing valuable insights for their educational and professional journey.
