Blog: Franciacorta | Spumante (4/4)

For this study, 900 hectares of vineyards were studied: With 250 borings of the soils, 39 soil profiles created to a depth of 250 cm, 800 samples for the definition of ripening curves, 1800 analyses of musts, 390 leaf analyses and 75 microvinifications carried out. Countless data, thanks to which the homogeneous soil plots could be created. This was followed by the world's first creation of a precision system for viticulture, consisting in the analysis of aerial and satellite images that register the multispectral emission of vegetation. Through complex algorithms, this information is transformed into data related to the production of grapes per hectare and to the degree of ripeness of the grapes in terms of sugar content, acidity and polyphenol content. The algorithm system has been refined by constantly updating the satellite data with measurements made on the soils. The predictions of this system are passed on to the winegrowers directly on their computers.

Thus, the winegrowers receive images with a ground detail of 2.00 x 2.00 m, which allow them to control the individual rows of vines and almost every single plant. Finally, it is worth mentioning the 'Codice Vitivincolo della Franciacorta' (Viticulture and Wine Production Code), of which the fifth edition was published in 2011. In it, constantly improved production rules are presented, with the aim of maintaining the optimal quality of Franciacorta wines. A 'gym', so to speak, in which the rules are tested, which then contribute to a part of the product specification of 'Franciacorta', the law in which all production phases are regulated. These rules, in force today in the Franciacorta wine area, are the most restrictive and strict in the world. However, we are all convinced that, thanks to research, improvements can always be achieved. - Gerardo [TS10/23]