How Nino Franco, Italy’s wine pioneer, revolutionised the industry

Turning every occasion into a celebration, an Italian bubbly is always an excellent choice, especially from Nino Franco.

There is no doubt that Italy’s Prosecco has taken the world by storm. Transforming from a regional delight into a global sensation, its popularity has soared by an impressive 70% since 2010, due to its refreshing taste and affordability. And while it’s nice to know that this Italian bubbly has a large following, something we must appreciate are the key players in this industry. Among them is Nino Franco, one of Italy’s most respected producers, who has been instrumental in shaping this sparkling revolution.

[All images courtesy of Nino Franco]

How Nino Franco, Italy’s wine pioneer, revolutionised the industry

Having been around since 1919, Nino Franco was founded by Antonio Franco after World War I. After discovering that his family home was destroyed, Antonio purchased a house with a winery in the small hilly town of Valdobbiadene in Treviso, Veneto. Also known as Conegliano Valdobbiadene, one of the most respected terroirs, this area has the ideal climate for growing grapes, which led to the launch of Antonio’s wine and grape trading business. And while his son Giovanni initiated the first vinification operations, it was his grandson, Primo Franco, who quietly revolutionised the Prosecco industry, elevating the family’s legacy to new heights.

Introducing and modernising the culture of Prosecco

Graduated with an oenology degree, Primo dedicated his career to the science and study of wine and winemaking. From growing and cultivation to the harvesting of grapes, Primo helped modernise the production of this bubbly. And in 1982, he travelled worldwide to introduce the culture of Italian Prosecco and made history when he became the first to harvest single-vineyard Prosecco.

Rooted in tradition

As Prosecco culture expands, so does the presence of lower-quality options in the market due to the extensive Prosecco DOCG appellation. However, Nino Franco sets itself apart by ensuring quality through the careful selection of low-yielding Glera grapes and a meticulous winemaking technique called Charmat. A method traditionally used in Italy, Charmat helps to keep the grape’s flavour and aroma during fermentation.

Besides their techniques, Nino Franco also owes much of their success to the land itself. For over 100 years, the brand’s high-quality production has been deeply intertwined with the unique terroirs of Valdobbiandene. With its steep, hilly terrain, rich in clay, minerals, and iron, along with ideal attitude and exposure, this helps produce the perfect condition for harvesting some of the region’s finest sparkling wines. And besides its delicious wine, the hills of Conegliano-Valdobbiadene have also been recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2019 due to its cultural significance.

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