Corte Fusia
In 2010 childhood friends Gigi and Daniele decided to fulfil their dreams and start producing Franciacorta that would be a true expression of the unique vineyards that they rescued from abandonment.
The vineyards are located on Monte Orfano in Lombardy and had been abandoned for many years due to the high production costs involved in growing grapes on the steep terraced hillside. In total there are about 7 hectares of Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco in the communes of Coccaglio, Cologne and Rovato. The oldest vines were planted 30 years ago however, all of the vineyards were already listed in the napoleonic land registry of 1809. On top of the hill close to San Michele church and the convent of Annunciation, there is reason to believe that their vineyard was present from 1400.
Gigi and Daniele carry out the majority of the work manually due to the terraced vineyards. They believe that the commitment to working this unique land pays dividends in the final quality of the grapes and in turn the finished Franciacorta. All grapes are manually harvested and pressed separately according to variety and vineyard. A first and second press gives different characteristics in the musts and they are vinified separately ready for blending to form the cuvée. Traditionally sugar was always added to balance the high acidity post disgorgment however, the friends feel that the altitude, sun and Mediterranean climate of Monte Orfano gives them all the sugar needed within the grapes.
CORTE FUSIA RANGE
Franciacorta DOCG Brut
A blend of Chardonnay (70%), Pinot Nero (20%) and Pinot Blanc (10%) from vineyards in Cologne and Coccaglio. Hand harvested and whole bunch pressed in mid to late August and bottled for the second fermentation in March the following year. The bottles spend a minimum of 20 months in the cellars prior to being disgorged. There is no sugar added. The average production is around 15,000 bottles and 250 magnums per year.
Franciacorta DOCG Rosé
100% Pinot Nero from vineyards in Cologne and Coccaglio. The hand harvested bunches are de-stemmed and crushed then allowed to macerate on the skins for around four hours. A gentle pressing follows and the must is allowed to settle prior to temperature controlled fermentation. This is then bottled for the second fermentation in March the following year. The bottles spend a minimum of 24 months in the cellars prior to being disgorged. There is no sugar added. The average production is around 2,000 bottles per year. Available to pre-order only
Franciacorta DOCG Satèn
A blend of white grapes only. Chardonnay (90%) and Pinot Blanc (10%) from vineyards in Cologne and Coccaglio. Hand harvested and whole bunch pressed in mid to late August and bottled for the second fermentation in March the following year. The bottles spend a minimum of 30 months in the cellars prior to being disgorged. There is no sugar added. The average production is around 6,000 bottles per year. Available to pre-order only
Franciacorta DOCG 2015
A blend of Chardonnay (75%) and Pinot Nero (25%) from vineyards in Cologne and Coccaglio. Hand harvested and whole bunch pressed in mid to late August and bottled for the second fermentation in March the following year. The bottles spend a minimum of 40 months in the cellars prior to being disgorged. There is no sugar added. The average production is around 3,500 bottles per year.
For more information visit: CORTE FUSIA