Vint Wine Podcast The Visionary Behind Franciacorta & Ca' del Bosco: Maurizio Zanella
In this episode of the Vint Podcast, hosts Billy Galanko and Brady Weller bring you an in-depth conversation with Maurizio Zanella, founder of Ca’ del Bosco and one of the key figures behind the establishment of Franciacorta as a DOCG in 1995. The episode kicks off with exciting news, including the announcement of a giveaway winner for a Coravin Sparkling System and a feature about the Vint Podcast in the Cos Chronicles. (Link: https://www.estournel.com/en/home/cos-chronicle/vint-the-podcast-that-makes-wine-accessible/) Billy and Brady also discuss the rise of Alta Langa as an emerging sparkling wine region in Italy, contrasting it with the well-established Franciacorta, and highlight the cultural significance of these wines in the global market.
Maurizio Zanella then takes center stage, sharing his fascinating journey from a young visionary in the 1970s to a pioneer of Italian wine’s renaissance. He recounts how he helped transform Franciacorta from an unknown region into a globally recognized name by advocating for strict production standards and rejecting its classification as a sparkling wine. Instead, he emphasizes Franciacorta as a wine of place, defined by its terroir and method rather than its bubbles. Zanella discusses the region’s unique regulations, including low yields, limited pressing, and extended maturation times, which set it apart from Champagne and other sparkling wine-producing regions.
The conversation touches on topics such as the role of indigenous grape varieties, innovations like zero-dosage styles, and the impact of climate change on viticulture. With reflections on his mentor Luigi Veronelli’s influence and insights into the future of Franciacorta, Maurizio offers listeners a masterclass in winemaking and regional development.
The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.
Cheers!