Story: Guido Berlucchi | Lombardy
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Guido Berlucchi: Pioneer of Franciacorta
Since its foundation in 1961, Guido Berlucchi has established itself as a pioneer of premium sparkling wines in Franciacorta. From the very beginning, the company from Lombardy combined traditional Metodo Classico techniques with the courage to innovate, laying the foundations for Franciacorta's triumphant advance far beyond the region's borders.

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Historical milestones and innovations
Just a few years after its foundation, Berlucchi began transforming old wineries and innocuous vineyards into valuable production facilities. In the 1970s, temperature-controlled fermentation and gentle yeast contact were introduced for the first time in order to achieve the finest perlage and elegant aromas. At the same time, the now iconic winery with its characteristic, sandstone-clad barrel cellars was built in Erbusco, where the wine is stored in bottles according to traditional guidelines. The legendary “Berlucchi '61” cuvée was so successful that it is still synonymous with modern Franciacorta today.

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Terroir and vineyards
The Berlucchi vineyards are located on limestone and marl hills that stretch south of Lake Iseo. The cool lake climate ensures extended ripening phases, perfectly balanced acidity and mineral freshness. Over 100 hectares of vineyards are cultivated by hand in an environmentally conscious manner: from cellar work to vine training, all processes strictly follow the principles of minimally invasive agriculture.

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Sustainability as a guiding principle
For Berlucchi, environmental protection is not a trend, but a corporate philosophy that is put into practice. The company has been working completely sustainably since 2007 and all vineyards have been certified organic since 2016. Water consumption, fertilizers and pesticides are consistently reduced, while soil fertility and biodiversity are promoted. Thanks to precise greenhouse gas monitoring in accordance with the Ita.Ca standard, Berlucchi was able to significantly reduce its carbon footprint and received the “Winery of the Year” award from Gambero Rosso in 2022 for its outstanding commitment to sustainability.

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Portfolio and style
The Berlucchi range now includes more than a dozen sparkling wines: from the classic rosé to the prestige cuvée “Palazzo Lana”, each line showcases the diversity and elegance of Franciacorta. The wines are characterized by fine mousseux, stimulating freshness and complex yeast notes, which develop into delicate aromas of brioche, almonds and dried fruit after several months on the lees.

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Outlook and wine tourism
With the planned expansion of a new reception and tasting area, Berlucchi is sending a clear signal for the future of Franciacorta. Visitors will then be able to immerse themselves even more intensively in the production process, from the vineyard to the glass. At the same time, the house remains true to its tradition: quality, authenticity and respect for nature are at the heart of all further steps.

Berlucchi impressively demonstrates how historical values and modern environmental awareness can complement each other, showing the entire industry that true excellence is only possible in harmony with nature. - Gerardo [TS05/25]