Franciacorta is a land of abbeys and priories with an ancient winemaking tradition that probably dates back to classical times, and has been well documented since the Middle Ages.

Located on the south side of Lake Iseo in the province of Brescia, Franciacorta has an exceptionally favourable mild climate, its rolling morainic hills descending gently to the city of Brescia itself. The area was settled in ancient times and its splendid noble residences, palaces, castles, churches and convents stand in captivating natural surroundings.

One of these ancient country residences at Monticelli Brusati is the headquarters of the Azienda Agricola Lo Sparviere, owned by the Gussalli Beretta family. The estate sprawls over 150 hectares, of which 30 are planted to vine, mainly chardonnay and pinot nero.

The 16th-century building that now houses the winery takes its name from the sparrowhawk, or sparviere, on the coat of arms over the fireplace in the recently refurbished main reception room, now restored to its former glory inside the main residence.

Under the ancient vaults of the cellars, Brut, Extra Brut, Satèn and Rosé versions of Franciacorta D.O.C.G. wines are vinified and aged, bringing their fragrance and bubbles to a peak of perfection over at least 25 months.

Rigorously selected fruit, sourced exclusively from the estate's own vineyards, where yields are kept very low, produce the characteristic sensory profile and elegantly poised balance that make Lo Sparviere's wines so distinctive.

Centuries of ingenuity and experience combined with up-to-date vineyard management and state-of-the-art technology are the real secrets behind the wines made at the Azienda Agricola Lo Sparviere.