the crispy Rosé based on a short maceration of Pinot Noir pomace, and the concentrated Riserva that requires 30 months aging. 

Moreover you will learn how the wines are made today in respect with the old amateur methods which could not  achieve substantial results.

Your “Franciacorta, the fine Italian Champagne” tour continues with  a savory lunch in the Lake d’Iseo surroundings.

Its shores are punctuated by 15 small towns which testify the strategic location on the way north to Switzerland, and the great charme of the landscape around. 

Traditional dishes are strongly rooted both in the country cuisine and the delicious fish from the Lake.

The former used to be quite rustic so that many recipes were lightened in order to satisfy the taste of the most demanding guests.

You may begin with the Montisola Salami, whose name derives from Monte Isola, the largest Lake island in Europe, right in the middle of Iseo Lake.

It’s a rich and slightly smoked salami, aged a few months in red wine, best served with a proper glass of Franciacorta Brut.

For a strictly local Entrée, we suggest you the fresh grilled Sardines seasoned with extra- virgin Olive oil and parsley, served with crunchy Corn meal, followed by roasted Tench or deep fry Bleak, marinated the day before in dry white wine, garlic and parsley.

Meat lovers will get excited for the compelling array of beef based stews, enriched with different ingredients according to the seasons, and the wood-fired chicken on the spit, accompanied by salads of wild vegetables, Radicchio or baby arugula…..

Lombardy excels in dairy production too, so don’t give up a sampling of Gorgonzola, the smelly blue cheese, or a bite of Taleggio, a soft smooth cow cheese, enhanced by a glass of sweet Franciacorta Dry.

Your guide will point out several Medieval lookout towers around the lake, once owned by rich noble families as suburban Villas or fortresses for defensive purposes.

Over time they were converted into wine estates, sometimes they became part of the public artistic heritage with large flower gardens, Italian and English-style ones and century old trees: worth mentioning the Castello di Bornato, Castello Oldofredi di Iseo, Castello Quistini at Rovato, Castello Lantieri at Paratico.

In the afternoon there will be time for a further tasting in a boutique winery, with little production of bottles per year, and a constant interest in lost rare native grapes like the Erbamat, that helps raise the acidity level in the wines.  Take the chance of talking to the winemaker, and sample the fruit of the family’s efforts.

At the end of the “Franciacorta, the fine Italian Champagne” tour you will be driven back to your hotel.

NEW! Walks inside Italy suggested options

You can also spend the whole afternoon in the Lake d’Iseo area in company of your guide. Take advantage of your private luxury car and discover the laid back life of the local communities, the lovely views from scenic spots, and the relaxing atmosphere of the off-the-beaten track destinations.

A further alternative for nature lover travelers, is the walking trail in a natural reserve just south  of Iseo, the “Torbiere del Sebino”, a 890 acres moorland run by the Lombardy Region. From the mid-19th through the next century, this area was exploited for mining purposes due to the need of peat as a source of energy for the national industry. The systematic excavations lasted until 1950’s, and later Regional administration decided to preserve this peculiar natural habitat, home of rare pieces of plants and animals.

For more recommendation addressed to foodies, go to our wine tasting tour in Milan,  and at the Lake Como.

Visit the Veneto region with its fine sparkling wines!