LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
APPELATIONS
Tucked away in the heart of Northern Italy, the Curtefranca DOC is a precious gem of viniculture, echoing the romance and richness of the land it hails from. Sheltered by majestic landscapes, this wine region benefits from a unique confluence of climate and soil, setting the stage for the birth of exceptional wines.
One cannot speak of Curtefranca without mentioning its beloved grape varieties. The region is renowned for its red vines, with Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Merlot, and Pinot Nero leading the way, each contributing its distinct character and nuance. The Cabernet Franc offers its signature herbaceous notes; Carmenère adds its deep color and rich fruitiness; Merlot, the backbone of many blends, brings forth its velvety softness; and the Pinot Nero, with its elegant finesse, paints strokes of berries and earth on the palate.
But the brilliance of Curtefranca isn't just reserved for red wines. The region's white varieties, especially the Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, stand testament to the area's versatility. The Chardonnay grapes flourish in the region's terroir, producing wines with crisp acidity and nuanced aromas, while the Pinot Bianco grapes yield wines that are delicately fragrant, with a refreshing, graceful palate.
What makes Curtefranca truly magical, however, is its intimate bond with its environment. The vineyards seem to whisper tales of the land's legacy, as they are caressed by gentle breezes and bathed in the golden Italian sunlight. This symbiotic relationship between grape and ground, sun and shade, defines the spirit of Curtefranca DOC, offering wine lovers a sip of nature's very essence.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The Curtefranca production area is located in Lombardy, Italy, and encompasses 19 municipalities in Brescia. It is bordered by the rocky hills and moraines of Rodengo Saiano, Ome, Gussago and Cellatica, but also by the southern shore of Lake Iseo and the Rhaetian Alps, the Oglio river and Monte Orfano.
The vineyards in this DOC enjoy a Mediterranean climate. The average precipitation is between 500 and 600 mm and the Growing Degree Days are between 1800 and 2300.
The soils in the region have a moderate depth, good drainage and a great capacity to reserve water. These characteristics make them particularly suitable for vine cultivation.
Most Planted Red Grape Varieties: Cabernet Franc, Carmenère, Merlot, Pinot Noir
Most Planted White Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco
The Cellatica DOC region, known for its diverse and exceptional wines, showcases two prominent styles: Rosso and Bianco. The Rosso wine embodies a well-balanced blend, requiring a minimum of 25% Merlot, a minimum of 20% Cabernet Franc and/or Carmenère, 10-35% Cabernet Sauvignon, and a maximum of 15% other approved red grape varieties. This harmonious composition results in a wine that exudes rich flavors and a complex bouquet.
The Rosso wine's foundation of Merlot adds a smooth, velvety texture and a delightful array of red fruit aromas. The inclusion of Cabernet Franc and Carmenère contributes layers of herbal and spicy notes, infusing the wine with depth and character. Meanwhile, Cabernet Sauvignon lends the blend its firm structure and bold black fruit flavors, ensuring a robust and long-lasting finish.
On the other hand, the Bianco wine is a captivating fusion of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, adhering to a minimum of 50% Chardonnay and a maximum of 50% Pinot Bianco (or Pinot Noir vinified as a white wine). This combination results in a refreshing and sophisticated white wine, loved for its elegant nature and vibrant aromas. Chardonnay, a renowned grape variety, imparts the Bianco wine with its unmistakable charm, showcasing delightful notes of ripe orchard fruits, such as apple and pear. The addition of Pinot Bianco or Pinot Noir contributes to the wine's crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors, complementing the Chardonnay beautifully.