Situated in the region of Lombardy in north-central Italy, the DOCG of Franciacorta produces, by popular consensus, the country’s finest sparkling wine. The Franciacorta of Biondelli, comes from a very small family estate that is regarded as one of the leading winemakers of this DOCG, crafting a world-class product that can match it with the best of Europe and beyond. Often compared with Champagne, as a category, Franciacorta produces around five per cent of the volume that Champagne does each year – a fraction of its size!

Franciacorta lies in the rolling hills south of Lake Iseo, in the province of Brescia. The Biondelli family estate is situated near the village of Bornato, and close by the historic medieval castle of the same name. Here, in a beautifully restored and redeveloped 16th century farmhouse, the Biondelli family have their winemaking facility, complete with an impressive, purpose-built underground cellar. Carlottavio Biondelli, his wife Mariella and sons Francesco and Joska operate the business as a passionately run family affair. Joska has juggled a successful business career with winemaking duties, but increasingly the latter has become his primary focus. PRIMAVERA