Corteccio (2018) - Cantrina
Corteccio is a wine that expresses the character of the Brescia area. The 2018 harvest was particularly favourable for the quality of the grapes.
Corteccio (2018) - Cantrina
Type: Red Wine
Area: Italy, Lombardy, Valtènesi
Appellation: Benaco Bresciano IGT
Grape variety: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot
Vintage: 2018
Winery: Cantrina
Alcohol: 14%
The appellation: Benaco Bresciano IGT
The Benaco Bresciano IGT is an indicazione geografica tipica of Lombardy, embracing the hillside land on the Brescia shore of Lake Garda. Officially recognised in 1995, it is a flexible appellation open to experimentation, able to make the most of both native and international varieties, across different types of wine.
Find out more about Benaco Bresciano IGTWhat to eat with Corteccio
Who makes it: Cantrina
Founded in the 90s by Cristina Inganni and Diego Lavo, the estate – which takes its name from the small hamlet where they live – covers a little under 8 hectares among the gentle morainic hills above Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia. It has been certified organic since 2017, with artisan rigour, respect for biodiversity and a low-intervention approach in the cellar.
Find out more about CantrinaThe vine of Corteccio
Cabernet Sauvignon
Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the most famous and widely planted black grape varieties in the world, prized for its ability to produce elegant, structured and long-lived wines. Native to France, and in particular to the Bordeaux region, it is now grown in almost every wine-producing country, adapting to different climates and terroirs. With its distinctive aromatic profile and its versatility, Cabernet Sauvignon is considered the "king" of red varieties.
Find out moreMerlot
Merlot is one of the most widespread and appreciated black grape varieties in the world. Native to France, and in particular to the Bordeaux region, it is known for its softness, its fruity profile and its ability to adapt to different styles of wine, from single-varietal bottlings to quality blends. Its versatility makes it ideal for producing fresh, ready-to-drink wines but also structured, long-lived labels.
Find out moreCorteccio: the Valtènesi area
Valtènesi
Valtènesi is a winegrowing area on the western shore of Lake Garda, in the province of Brescia, in Lombardy.
Find out more about ValtènesiClimate: Continental
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Corteccio
Primary aromas: Ripe red fruit, Berries
Secondary aromas: Wood, Spices
Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco
Tasting notes: A full-bodied red wine with notes of ripe red fruit and spices, well-integrated tannins and a long finish.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Well integrated |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Long |
| Colour | Ruby red |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Corteccio
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.
Find out moreMedium maceration (8–12 days)
Medium maceration, lasting between 8 and 12 days, is one of the most widespread practices in red winemaking, especially for obtaining balanced, expressive and pleasantly structured wines, without pushing too hard on tannin extraction. During this stage the grape skins stay in contact with the must, allowing the release of colour, aromas, tannins and phenolic compounds. A period of 8–12 days is a middle way between young reds from short maceration and great wines for long ageing with extended macerations.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Corteccio
In barrique (7–18 months)
Ageing in barrique for 7 to 18 months is one of the most common stages for medium- and full-bodied wines, where the wood has time to interact with the wine in depth without dominating it. This length gives balanced wines, with greater aromatic complexity, polished tannins and a more refined evolutionary profile, keeping varietal and tertiary notes in balance.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Corteccio
- No contact with the lees