Journey to Franciacorta, a book, a diary

Treccani celebrates Franciacorta with the book “Viaggio in Franciacorta,” a kind of diary, signed and lived by Armando Castagno. The tale of a territory to explore with the five senses, between nature and good wine.

A travelogue, a personal and passionate narrative, experienced in the first person and then immortalized by the expert gaze of Armando Castagno. Journey to Franciacorta is the story of an itinerary among the places and in the lands of Franciacorta, enriched by the unpublished and ad hoc images taken by photographer Andrea Federici. An itinerary marked by buildings, evocative spaces, characters and landscapes, to discover a cultural heritage and an articulated but compact community, which stands out for having made a vocation, that for wine, its common mission.

Journey through the 19 municipalities of Franciacorta

Armando Castagno – taster, creator and director of in-depth courses for the Italian Sommelier Association – takes readers on a pilgrimage through the nineteen municipalities of Franciacorta. Starting in Paratico and continuing on to Capriolo, Adro, Erbusco, Cologne, Coccaglio, Rovato, Cazzago San Martino, Corte Franca, Iseo, Provaglio d’Iseo, Passirano, Paderno Franciacorta, Monticelli Brusati, Ome, Rodengo Saiano, Gussago and Cellatica, until arriving in Brescia. The author, with an incisive and engaging style, succeeds in conveying the essence of Franciacorta, offering a unique opportunity to appreciate not only its wines, but also the stories and experiences that make it a special place.

“All in all, this is the reason why the book you have in your hands was born: to populate with characters, landscapes and ephemeral happenings the scenery of a Franciacorta free from encomiastic filters; to share, that is, a vision of it at human height and to add to its bibliography, as a dowel of precariousness, the transient dimension of things,” Castagno says.

Not only wine

Nineteen stages for an experience that testifies to the uniqueness of an area both environmentally and on a human and entrepreneurial level: sustainable and profitable agriculture, biodiversity, willingness to innovate and project into the future starting with the rediscovery of the past and ethics combined with respect. In the book, Castagno narrates his experiences and observations, exploring not only the vineyards and wineries that have made this region famous, but also its history, culture and traditions that characterize it. Readers will be guided through enchanting landscapes, historic villages, churches and encounters with local people, paying tribute to an area distinguished by its beauty and authenticity.

Massimo Bray, director general of the Treccani Institute, Armando Castagno, the author of the book, and Silvano Brescianini, president of the Franciacorta Consortium

“In recounting Franciacorta, the author invites us to reflect on broader, universal themes. The relationship between man and landscape and the importance of protecting local heritage in the face of the pressures of globalization. The need to preserve not only tangible products-such as the sublime wines of this region-but also those intangible values that constitute the authenticity of a territory ” comments Massimo Bray, Director General of theTreccani Institute of the Italian Encyclopedia.

Exciting and instructive

“Meeting Armando during his journey in Franciacorta was a very pleasant experience. Read his travelogue was an exciting and informative trip! Having been born and raised in Erbusco, I had the opportunity to discover fascinating places and situations that I had never explored before. Sincere thanks go to Director Massimo Bray and the Treccani Institute for producing this book that honors us and recognizes the value and history of Franciacorta.” declares Silvano Brescianini, president of the Franciacorta Consortium. The book represents an open invitation to all who wish to explore this corner of Italy, rich in charm and tradition. It will be available in bookstores from December 6.