Consorzio Franciacorta elects new president

The Consorzio Franciacorta, Italy’s traditional method sparkling wine appellation, has named its new president.

Silvano Brescianini, general manager of Barone Pizzini and former Consortium vice-president in charge of technical development and research since 2009, will take over from Vittorio Moretti, the owner of Bellavista and Contadi Castaldi, who has held the position for the past three years

Born in 1967 in Erbusco, at the center of Franciacorta, Brescianini spent his childhood in the vineyards. He trained as a sommelier and later transitioned to Barone Pizzini – an organic winery in Francicorta – first as a partner and restaurant manager and later as managing director.

“During my term in office, I will continue to build on what my colleagues have done before me,” said Brescianini. “I closely cooperated with them during my nine years as vice-president. Franciacorta is part of my DNA. My passion for this area has been with me my entire life. I feel very proud that my journey will now continue in my role as President.”.

The Consorzio Franciacorta is the body that guarantees and monitors the Franciacorta production regulations, an Italian sparkling wine produced in the Metodo Classico tradition, whereby secondary fermentation occurs in bottle, as in Champagne.

According to data from the Business Observatory, updated through October, overall volume sales of Franciacorta are up by 2.2%, while the increase by value is 7.4% year on year, while exports have risen by 5.6% to 14.4%.

Vittorio Moretti added: “While my journey as President of this Consortium ends today, I am sure the journey of Franciacorta and its wines has just begun, and the added contribution from our younger members will give us the impetus we need to propel us towards extraordinary new goals.”