Antinori Tenuta Montenisa Cuvée Royale Franciacorta

In the heart of Lombardy lies Franciacorta, where elegant bubbles are made that can surprise even the most seasoned Champagne lover.

Franciacorta origin and history

Franciacorta is located in Lombardy, around Lake Iseo and the city of Brescia. The name first appeared in the Middle Ages. The region only truly began producing sparkling wine at a high level in the 1960s. In 1967 Franciacorta was granted DOC status, and in 1995 this was upgraded to DOCG, the highest quality category in Italy. That is quite remarkable, as not many Italian appellations are allowed to carry the DOCG title. Today, Franciacorta is regarded as the benchmark for Italian sparkling wine.

The word Franciacorta comes from ‘curte franca’, meaning tax-free. The monks who lived in the area were exempt from taxes. A less romantic explanation is that franciacorta means little France, since many producers looked closely at Champagne for inspiration. The history of Franciacorta as a sparkling wine region really took off with pioneers Ca’ del Bosco and Berlucchi. They saw that the terroir and climate around Lake Iseo were perfect for sparkling wines. To bring the wines to the highest level, the Champagne model served as a reference point.

Location and climate of Franciacorta

The region lies between Lake Iseo and the foothills of the Alps. This brings cool nights, mild summers, and a constant breeze that keeps the grapes healthy. The soils are made up of limestone, sand, and gravel, which are perfect for Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and Pinot Bianco. Together they form the base of the crisp, elegant style Franciacorta is famous for.

Strict regulations for Franciacorta wine

The rules are clear and strict. Only Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, and in smaller amounts Pinot Bianco are permitted. The traditional method is mandatory: a second fermentation in the bottle and extended aging on the lees. A basic Franciacorta must age at least 18 months, Satèn or Rosé at least 24 months, and Riserva even 60 months. This results in fine bubbles, complexity, and those typical brioche and toast notes also found in Champagne. There is also a maximum yield per hectare, ensuring that quality remains high.

How is Franciacorta made?

It all starts with a gentle pressing of the grapes. Only the first part of the juice, the ‘cuvée’, may be used. After the first fermentation, the wine is bottled with a little yeast and sugar. This is where the second fermentation begins. The bottles rest horizontally in cool cellars. Winemakers gradually turn them (remuage) so the sediment slides down towards the neck. Eventually, this is removed (dégorgement) and a small amount of dosage is added to set the style: from Brut Nature to Demi-Sec. The process closely resembles Champagne, but Franciacorta often shows softer acidity and a rounder mouthfeel.

Fun facts about Franciacorta

Franciacorta is the first Italian region that produces only sparkling wines with the traditional method and also holds DOCG status. Around 20 million bottles are made annually, far less than Champagne. This makes Franciacorta more exclusive and often less well-known. Another unique detail: Satèn is a style found only here. It is a softer version with lower pressure in the bottle and made exclusively from white grapes. The result is a creamy sparkling wine that is one of a kind in the sparkling wine world.

Order Franciacorta wine online?

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find a fine selection of Franciacorta. All bottles are safely stored in our conditioned Wine Warehouse. When you order online, you can choose to have the wine delivered to your home or pick it up yourself in Dordrecht. If you select ‘Pick up’ during checkout, you’ll immediately see the discount you receive.

Italy is one of the most diverse wine countries in the world. From crisp whites in the north to bold reds in the south; each region brings its own character and specialties. Think of the refined Barolos from Piedmont, the classic Chiantis from Tuscany, and of course the iconic Supertuscans: powerful, modern wines that blend international grape varieties with Italian tradition. On this page, you'll dive into the world of Italian wines, rich in flavor, history, and passion.

The History of Italian Wine

Italy is one of the oldest wine-producing countries in the world. As early as the time of the Etruscans and later the Romans, wine was cultivated and exported on a large scale. The Romans not only spread grapevines across Europe but also their knowledge of viticulture and winemaking. Over the centuries, wine became deeply embedded in Italian culture and cuisine. Each region developed its own style and traditions, resulting in the incredible diversity of wines we see in Italy today.

Famous Italian Grape Varieties

Italy is home to hundreds of native grape varieties, making the country unique in the wine world. Some of the most well-known include:

Sangiovese

The signature grape of Tuscany, known from Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, and Vino Nobile di Montepulciano.

Nebbiolo 

A noble variety from Piedmont, responsible for Barolo and Barbaresco.

Montepulciano 

Widely used in Abruzzo, producing bold and juicy wines.

Aglianico

A powerful red grape from Southern Italy, especially Campania and Basilicata.

Vermentino 

A fresh white grape from Liguria, Sardinia, and Tuscany.

Glera 

The base grape for Prosecco, originating from Veneto and Friuli.

In addition, international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Chardonnay are also widely used, often found in modern ‘Super Tuscans’.

Wine Styles from Italy

Italy produces a wide variety of wine styles, ranging from light and crisp to deep and complex:

Red wine: Chianti, Barolo, Amarone, Nero d’Avola, Primitivo
White wine: Soave, Verdicchio, Gavi, Pinot Grigio
Sparkling wine: Prosecco, Franciacorta, TrentoDOC
Dessert wine: Vin Santo, Moscato d’Asti, Passito di Pantelleria

Super Tuscans: Rebellious and Iconic

In the 1970s, a new category of wine emerged in Tuscany: the Super Tuscans. Winemakers such as Sassicaia, Tignanello, and Ornellaia chose to craft high-quality wines outside the strict DOC regulations. They used international grape varieties such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often blended with Sangiovese. These wines quickly conquered the global market and put Tuscany back on the map — this time as a region of innovation and excellence.

Important Wine Regions of Italy

Italy has 20 wine regions, each with its own character and specialties. Some of the most notable are:

• Tuscany – famous for Chianti Classico, Brunello di Montalcino, and Super Tuscans.
• Piedmont – home to Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera.
• Veneto – known for Amarone, Valpolicella, Soave, and of course Prosecco.
• Puglia – sun-drenched wines from Primitivo and Negroamaro.
• Sicily – increasingly popular for wines made from Nero d’Avola and Etna Rosso.
• Friuli-Venezia Giulia – top-quality white wines from Friulano and Sauvignon, among others.

Iconic Italian Wineries

Italy is home to many internationally renowned wineries. Some of the most iconic include:

• Antinori (Tuscany) – a centuries-old winery and pioneer of the Super Tuscan movement.
• Gaja (Piedmont) – revolutionary producer of Barbaresco and Langhe wines.
• Tenuta San Guido (Tuscany) – creator of the legendary Sassicaia.
• Ca’ del Bosco (Lombardy) – a master in Franciacorta sparkling wines.

Buy Italian Wine at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen, you'll find a broad and carefully curated selection of Italian wines — from classic Chianti to elegant Barolo and lively Franciacorta. Whether you're looking for an accessible everyday wine or an iconic bottle for your cellar, we have it. Easily order online or pick up in Dordrecht. Our team of wine experts is ready with personal advice and food pairing suggestions to help you make the perfect choice.

White wine is a beloved beverage appreciated worldwide for its fresh, fruity, and sometimes complex flavor profile. White wine ranges from dry to sweet and can feature light citrus notes, tropical fruit, and floral aromas. Well-known varieties include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling, each with unique characteristics depending on climate and aging. White wine is often served chilled and pairs wonderfully with fish dishes, salads, and soft cheeses.

Explore the World of White Wine: Quality, Flavor, and Diversity

Welcome to Grandcruwijnen, your online destination for a wide selection of white wines from around the globe. Whether you’re a connoisseur or simply looking for a delicious bottle to enjoy, our collection offers a range of flavors, from classic labels to hidden gems.

White Wine: An Art of Grape and Terroir

White wine, made by fermenting grape juice without skins, stems, or seeds, offers a diverse experience shaped by grape variety, region, climate, and winemaking methods. From the fruity aromas of a Burgundy Chardonnay to the vibrant notes of a Chilean Chardonnay, each bottle tells its own story.

Discover Our Selection of White Wines

At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a carefully curated selection of white wines for every taste and occasion. Whether you're looking for an elegant Sauvignon Blanc, a refreshing Verdejo, or a full-bodied Riesling, we have it all. But we also go beyond the familiar names. We feature wines from lesser-known grapes like Godello, Albariño, Viura, Vermentino, and Grillo, each offering unique character and surprising flavors.

Our white wine collection spans regions and countries—from the traditional wine regions of France to the emerging markets of Argentina, New Zealand, and Spain. Whether you're seeking the finesse of a French Chablis or the liveliness of an Argentine Torrontés, you’ll find exactly what you're looking for at Grandcruwijnen.

Sweet White Wine: A Tempting Delicacy

Indulge in the sweet temptations of our sweet white wines selection. Discover the lush flavors and delightful aromas that make these wines truly unique. Whether it’s an elegant Moscato, a rich Riesling Auslese, or a refreshing late harvest wine, our collection of sweet white wines is sure to surprise and delight you.

Dry White Wine: Refined and Balanced

For lovers of dry white wine, we offer an extensive selection of refined and balanced wines. From the crisp minerality of a Sauvignon Blanc to the complexity of a Chardonnay, our dry white wines embody elegance and finesse. Let yourself be surprised by the diverse flavors and aromas these wines have to offer.

Alcohol-Free White Wine

Alcohol-free white wine is an excellent alternative for those who want to enjoy the flavor and experience of wine without the effects of alcohol. These wines are traditionally made, with the alcohol carefully removed while preserving as much of the original aroma and character as possible. The result is a fresh, light-bodied wine that pairs perfectly with light dishes, as an aperitif, or simply as a refreshing glass at any time of day. At Grandcruwijnen, you’ll find a high-quality selection of alcohol-free white wines crafted by producers who specialize in this refined category.

Types of White Wine

Discover the diversity of white wine styles at Grandcruwijnen. From familiar names like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc to hidden gems like Godello and Vermentino, there’s something for everyone in our extensive collection. Embark on a flavorful journey and discover new favorites to enjoy.

Order White Wine Online at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen, ordering white wine is easy and fast. Browse our extensive selection, choose your favorites, and place your order with confidence. We are committed to quality and customer satisfaction and are proud to offer you the best white wines—delivered straight to your doorstep.

Chardonnay might just be the most versatile white grape in the world. From crisp, mineral Chablis to rich and creamy Napa Valley wines, this grape can do it all. No wonder winemakers and wine lovers can’t get enough of it. 

Chardonnay history and origin

The birthplace of Chardonnay is Burgundy, France. The small village of Chardonnay in the Mâconnais region gave the grape its name. It’s believed to be a natural crossing between Pinot and the ancient Gouais Blanc. Already in the Middle Ages, Chardonnay was recognized as a grape with great potential.

Burgundy is still the ultimate reference point. From Puligny-Montrachet and Meursault come some of the most refined examples. In Chablis, Chardonnay is the star: sharp, mineral, and refreshing.

In Champagne, it’s often blended with Pinot Noir and Pinot Meunier. Sometimes it shines solo, in a Blanc de Blancs, showing just how adaptable Chardonnay really is.

Ideal conditions for Chardonnay

Chardonnay can grow almost anywhere, but it thrives best on limestone soils. In cooler climates it delivers high acidity and a lean style. In warmer regions you’ll get riper fruit flavors and a fuller body. Winemakers can influence the style further through oak aging and batonnage (stirring the lees). That’s why wines from the same grape can taste so completely different.

Chardonnay around the world

Outside France, Chardonnay has conquered the globe. In California—especially Napa Valley and Sonoma—it’s loved in a richer, more opulent style with tropical fruit and a touch of vanilla from oak. In Australia, regions like Yarra Valley and Margaret River produce both crisp and powerful versions. South Africa, Chile, and Argentina add their own twists. Even in cooler New Zealand, Chardonnay thrives, often showing lively acidity and pure fruit.

Typical characteristics of Chardonnay wines

Chardonnay is a true chameleon. In Chablis you’ll taste lemon, green apple, and salty minerality. In Burgundy you get more depth, often with notes of butter, hazelnut, and white stone fruit. In the New World, flavors lean toward pineapple, mango, and ripe peach. Winemaking choices matter too: oak brings roundness, creaminess, and hints of vanilla or toast, while stainless steel preserves freshness and a clean profile.

What to eat with Chardonnay?

Chardonnay’s versatility makes it a natural match at the table. A few go-to pairings:

• Chablis: oysters, sushi, ceviche
• Burgundy: roast chicken with lemon, creamy pasta, comté cheese
• Champagne Blanc de Blancs: shellfish, light cheeses
• New World Chardonnay: grilled salmon, lobster with butter, soft cheeses

The rule of thumb: light Chardonnay with light dishes, fuller styles with richer foods. That way, everything stays in balance.

Fun facts about Chardonnay

– Chardonnay is the most widely planted white grape variety in the world.

– In the 1990s, the “ABC movement” (Anything But Chardonnay) appeared because the grape had become so dominant. Ironically, it never lost its popularity. At Grandcruwijnen, ABC means Au Bon Climat these days!

– Champagne made only from Chardonnay is called “Blanc de Blancs,” known for its freshness and finesse.

– Winemakers often call it a “winemaker’s grape,” because it offers so many possibilities in the cellar.

Order Chardonnay online?

At Grandcruwijnen you’ll find a wide selection of Chardonnays: from crisp Chablis to rich Burgundies and characterful New World bottles. All wines are stored in our climate-controlled Wine Warehouse. Picking up your order yourself? You’ll receive an instant discount, visible right away when you select ‘Afhalen’ (Pick-up) at checkout.

About the Pinot Noir grape in brief

Pinot Noir (French), also known as Spätburgunder (German), is a blue grape variety with compact clusters and thin-skinned grapes. This makes it generally a difficult grape to cultivate, as it is sensitive to rot and fungal diseases.

In Italy, Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero or Blauburgunder) is also grown, producing beautiful wines. In Germany, the grape (Spätburgunder) yields stunning wines; the finest red wines of the country. Additionally, Austria also produces Pinot Noir wines of very high quality. In California, over the years, probably the most Pinot Noir vines in the world are planted. Especially in the foggy, cooler areas around San Francisco, it thrives. The grape is also on the rise in South America, particularly in Chile.

The origin of Pinot Noir

Pinot Noir originates from Burgundy, France. In this cool climate, the delicate characteristics of the grape come into their own. The thin skin and sensitive nature make Pinot Noir a challenge for winemakers, but when everything aligns, it produces wines of exceptional finesse.

What does a Pinot Noir taste like?

When Pinot Noir wines are consumed young, they typically exhibit aromas of strawberries, raspberries, and violets. When you let wines made from Pinot Noir grapes age, the aromas shift towards ripe strawberries and plums. Pinot Noirs often have an 'earthy' quality but are generally fairly light, delicate wines with low tannins. This makes Pinot Noir versatile and suitable for many occasions.

Pairing Pinot Noir with food

The elegant style of Pinot Noir makes it an excellent companion to many dishes. Pair a fresh, young Pinot Noir with grilled salmon, poultry, or vegetarian dishes with mushrooms. More mature Pinot Noirs with earthier tones pair beautifully with game dishes, duck, or even truffle pasta.

Thanks to its fresh acidity and subtle character, Pinot Noir also works well with dishes where other red wines might be too heavy. Do you already have a dish in mind but are unsure which wine to choose? Ask Sommy the Sommelier from Grandcruwijnen!

Pinot Noir from Burgundy

In Burgundy, Pinot Noir is at its absolute best, truly shining. Here, the grape produces wines renowned for their finesse, complexity, and aging potential. From the light, fruity wines of the Côte Chalonnaise to the deeper and more structured Grand Crus of the Côte de Nuits: Burgundy offers a wide array of flavors, always with the characteristic elegance of Pinot Noir.

German Spätburgunder

In Germany, Pinot Noir is known as Spätburgunder. The cooler climate zones such as the Ahr and Baden produce wines with fresh acidity, subtle red fruit, and a mineral undertone. Spätburgunder is often lighter in style but can be surprisingly complex, especially from top producers who use oak aging.

Pinot Noir from Oregon

Oregon, particularly the Willamette Valley, is known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir. The climate resembles that of Burgundy, but the wines tend to be slightly more powerful, with more body and riper fruit. Think of aromas of cherries, berries, and spices, combined with fresh acidity and beautiful structure.

Pinot Noir in Champagne

Pinot Noir is one of the three main grapes in Champagne, alongside Chardonnay and Meunier. In the cool vineyards of the Montagne de Reims and the Aube, Pinot Noir provides structure, body, and red fruit in the blend. Blanc de Noirs Champagnes – made exclusively from black grapes – often show more power and depth, with notes of red fruit, brioche, and minerality. Whether part of a blend or solo in a Blanc de Noirs, Pinot Noir gives Champagne a solid backbone.

Pinot Noir at Grandcruwijnen

At Grandcruwijnen, we offer a wide selection of Pinot Noir wines from renowned wineries in France, Germany, the United States, New Zealand, and more. Whether you're looking for a classic Burgundy, an expressive Spätburgunder, or a modern style from Oregon, you'll always find a Pinot Noir that suits your taste with us.

We carefully select all our wines, paying attention to quality, origin, and the story behind the winery. This way, you know you're buying a wine from us that truly offers something special. Did you know that if you pick up your wine, you also receive a nice discount? You'll see your discount immediately when you select 'Pick up' on the checkout page. We are located in Dordrecht with plenty of parking space. Click here for our address.