175 ha., distributed
among the nineteen
townships of
Franciacorta
It is the vineyards, capable of providing a vast range of aromas and flavors, that dictate the Contadi Castaldi style. Nature’s gifts are abundant, but it is the hand of man that must translate the immense resources it provides into wine.
Creating a cuvée is essential in order to bring out the very best from each vintage. It is the orchestra in which each individual musician plays best; the moment when all the ingredients are assembled to form the unmistakable Contadi Castaldi touch.
The vineyards’ geological and microclimatic differences, together with the different methods of vine cultivation, are the secrets that have gone into the creation of a new generation of Franciacorta wines.
The vineyards’ geological and microclimatic differences, together with the different methods of vine cultivation, are the secrets that have gone into the creation of a new generation of Franciacorta wines.
Ability to ripen the fruit while preserving its original freshness and balance.
Chardonnay, a great French varietal, has been planted in Franciacorta ever since the 1950s. Chardonnay immediately stood out because of its consistent yields, better bunch shape, higher sugar content and golden colour. Chardonnay is mostly used to produce base wines for Franciacorta, thanks to its excellent consistency, intense, fragrant and complex aroma, with varietal notes of fruit and flowers, nice structure and enjoyable freshness.
In Franciacorta, Pinot Nero is a continuing discovery. It never stops surprising you, especially when you push it to the limit.
Pinot nero, originally from Burgundy, is the second varietal in the area. And one of the most prized grape varieties as complex to work with, it has a behavioural variability that sometimes leads it to interact unpredictably with the environment in which it is planted, yielding great results. Just like on the Montagne de Reims, in Champagne, Pinot hero is the varietal thaf imparts parsonality, structure complexity and longevity.
Pinot Bianco is a maverick varietal. It faces the seasons in its own way, making its personal adaptations to climatic conditions.
Pinot bianco is used in cuvées to a maximum proportion of 50%. The corresponding wine is full-bodied and elegant, with nice fixed acidity and a nose reminiscent of fresh-baked bread crust, while, after some evolution, it develops almond-like nuances. The Pinot bianco vine is vigorous, with deep green leaves and bunches slighlty less golden-coloured and tighter than Chardonnay.
