In the territory of Provaglio d’Iseo grape seeds have been found dating back to the pile-dwelling era: this proves that grapevines were present in the area already in prehistoric times. For later eras, there is evidence from classical Latin authors (Pliny, Colummella, Virgil) and documents from the 9th, 10th and 11th centuries relating to monasteries in the area attesting to the importance of viticulture in the medieval economy in Franciacorta.
The EU recognizes Franciacorta along with Asti and Marsala, (the only 3 Italian cases) the possibility of indication without any other qualifying terms: therefore, it is more correct/legitimate to say "Franciacorta" and not "Franciacorta sparkling wine," exactly as has been the case, for centuries, for Champagne.
The key characteristic of Franciacorta is that the only method allowed for frothing is the traditional method, that is, refermentation in the bottle (the one used for 3 centuries in Champagne), also known as the classic method. In addition, it was the first DOCG in Italy exclusively dedicated to the classic method.
From 1967 to 1995, the name Franciacorta was also used to designate red and white DOC wines produced in the same area. Later, these wines were renamed Terre di Franciacorta and, in 2008, Curtefranca.
