Curtefranca DOC

History

Medieval Benedictine monks established viticulture. "Franciacorta" derives from "curtes francae" - courts exempt from taxes granted by Brescia bishops. Still wines were primary product until 1961 Franciacorta sparkling revolution. 1995: Terre di Franciacorta DOC created for still wines as Franciacorta DOCG focused on sparkling. 2008: renamed "Curtefranca" to create distinct identity. Bordeaux varieties thrive on morainic soils. Quality producers: Ca' del Bosco Curtefranca, Bellavista, Contadi Castaldi.

At a glance

Climate

Continental with Lake Iseo moderation; morainic amphitheater south of Lake Iseo; Brescia province; 200-400m altitude; glacial moraines from Camonica Valley glacier; diverse soils (gravel, sand, clay, limestone); well-drained; significant diurnal temperature variation; protected from cold northern winds

Signature wines

Curtefranca Rosso DOC (Ca' del Bosco Curtefranca Rosso - benchmark; Bellavista Uccellanda; Contadi Castaldi); medium ruby; cherry, blackcurrant, herb, spice; elegant structure; good acidity; Curtefranca Bianco (fresh, mineral whites); pairs with Brescia charcuterie, risotto, lake fish

What sets it apart

DOC 2008 renamed from Terre di Franciacorta; still wines from Franciacorta sparkling zone; "Curtefranca" = medieval tax-free courts; Bordeaux varieties on morainic glacial soils; Ca' del Bosco and Bellavista produce benchmark examples; Franciacorta's "other wine" - quality often overlooked; same terroir, different expression

• DOC 2008 (renamed from Terre di Franciacorta DOC, established 1995)
• same 19 communes as Franciacorta DOCG
• 2,750 hectares total Franciacorta zone
• still wine production ~10% of sparkling
• "Curtefranca" means "court free of taxes" (medieval freedom granted by bishop)
• many Franciacorta houses make still wines here (Ca' del Bosco, Bellavista, Berlucchi)
• quality renaissance since renaming