Curtefranca bianco (2024) - Contadi Castaldi
In the heart of Franciacorta, the Contadi Castaldi winery has woven its story together with that of Curtefranca bianco, a wine that holds the essence of an area rich in tradition. One curious anecdote concerns the choice of the name "Contadi Castaldi", which comes from the "contadi", the old medieval territorial divisions, and from the "castaldi", the governors who administered them. The name reflects the winery's aim of preserving and promoting the historical and cultural heritage of Franciacorta.
Curtefranca bianco (2024) - Contadi Castaldi
Type: Vino Bianco
Area: Italy, Lombardy, Franciacorta
Appellation: Lugana DOC
Grape variety: Chardonnay, Pinot bianco
Vintage: 2024
Winery: Contadi Castaldi
Alcohol: 13%
The appellation: Lugana DOC
Lugana DOC is one of the most prestigious appellations in Italy, straddling Lombardy and Veneto on the southern shores of Lake Garda. Recognised in 1967, this appellation is known for producing elegant, mineral white wines, made mainly from the Turbiana grape (Trebbiano di Lugana), a native variety that best expresses the unique character of the area.
Find out more about Lugana DOCWhat to eat with Curtefranca bianco
Who makes it: Contadi Castaldi
Born at the end of the ’80s from an idea of Vittorio Moretti, already the entrepreneur behind Bellavista and high-end hospitality, Contadi Castaldi takes its name from the old "counties" (Contadi) and their landed stewards (Castaldi), a historical nod to the region’s farming origins.
Find out more about Contadi CastaldiThe vine of Curtefranca bianco
Chardonnay
Chardonnay is one of the most widely planted and prestigious white grape varieties in the world, originally from Burgundy, in France. Thanks to its great adaptability to different climates and soils, Chardonnay is grown in many wine regions, expressing unique characteristics according to the terroir and the winemaking style.
Find out morePinot bianco
Pinot Bianco is a white grape variety belonging to the Pinot family (it derives from a mutation of Pinot Grigio, which in turn came from a mutation of Pinot Nero). It is appreciated for its elegant, delicate and versatile profile, with good acidity and the ability to suit both simple and complex winemaking, including ageing on the lees or in wood. In Italy it finds its best expression in Alto Adige, where it gives fresh, mineral and long-lived wines, but it is also grown in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Trentino, Lombardy and parts of Veneto.
Find out moreCurtefranca bianco: the Franciacorta area
Franciacorta
Franciacorta, in Lombardy, in the province of Brescia, is one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions and the birthplace of Italian traditional-method sparkling wines. This area, which stretches across the morainic hills around Lake Iseo, has a unique terroir with mineral-rich soils, a temperate climate and marked day-night temperature swings, ideal for producing wines of great elegance and longevity. The area is famous for producing Franciacorta DOCG, Italy’s most renowned sparkling wine, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Nero and Pinot Bianco, with the addition in some styles of Erbamat, an old native grape variety. Franciacorta is also an outstanding wine-tourism destination, with historic wineries, beautiful landscapes and a wine culture rooted in tradition.
Find out more about FranciacortaClimate: Continental
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Curtefranca bianco
Primary aromas: Citrus, White fruit
Secondary aromas: White flowers
Tertiary aromas: Almond, Honey, Mineral notes
Tasting notes: A fresh, lively white wine with notes of white fruit and citrus, perfect with fish dishes.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Fresh |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Absent |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Media |
| Colour | Pale straw yellow |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Curtefranca bianco
Stainless steel winemaking for freshness and aromas
Stainless steel winemaking is a modern, versatile technique, particularly prized for producing fresh, aromatic and lively wines. Thanks to the use of stainless steel tanks, fermentation takes place in a neutral, controlled environment, preserving the primary characteristics of the grape variety and of the terroir as fully as possible. This approach makes it possible to obtain wines that clearly express their varietal personality and a pleasant lightness. What is Stainless Steel Winemaking? Stainless steel winemaking involves the use of stainless steel tanks during alcoholic fermentation and, often, during ageing as well. These vessels guarantee a hygienic, controlled environment, free from outside influences that might alter the aromatic profile of the wine. What is more, precise temperature control helps develop fresh, fruity aromas, avoiding oxidation or unwanted fermentations. Advantages of Stainless Steel Winemaking Preserving freshness: the primary aromas of the grape variety remain intact. Temperature control: it allows slow, steady fermentations, bringing out the aromas and the structure. Aromatic purity: stainless steel adds no outside flavours, guaranteeing an authentic product. Stages of Stainless Steel Winemaking 1. Harvest and Pressing The grapes are picked at the right degree of ripeness and gently pressed to obtain a clean, high-quality must. 2. Settling the Must The must is clarified to remove any solid residues, ensuring a clean fermentation. 3. Fermentation in Stainless Steel Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks, with strict temperature control (generally between 10°C and 18°C for whites and rosés). 4. Stabilisation After fermentation, the wine is left to rest in the tanks to refine and stabilise, before bottling. Characteristics of the Resulting Wines Colour Whites: bright straw yellow with greenish highlights. Rosés: delicate tones of pale pink or salmon. Light reds: pale ruby red with lively transparency. Aromas Fruity: notes of citrus, peach, green apple and berries. Floral: hints of white flowers, violets or dog rose. Mineral: fresh, saline nuances, typical of certain terroirs. Taste Fresh and lively: with balanced acidity and a light body. Harmonious: perfect for drinking young and informally. Grape Varieties Ideal for Stainless Steel Winemaking White Grape Varieties Vermentino: perfect for bringing out freshness and minerality. Sauvignon Blanc: aromatic and vibrant, with citrus and tropical fruit notes. Black Grape Varieties Pinot Nero: ideal for rosés and light, elegant reds. Montepulciano: perfect for fresh, fruity rosés. Why Choose a Wine Made in Stainless Steel? A wine made in stainless steel is the essence of freshness and varietal purity, perfect for anyone looking for intense aromas, liveliness and lightness. Ideal for aperitifs, light dishes and convivial moments, these wines are a true tribute to nature and to the quality of the grapes.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Curtefranca bianco
In stainless steel (1–6 months)
Ageing in stainless steel for 1 to 6 months is a winemaking practice widely used for young, fresh, varietal wines, aimed at preserving the aromatic fragrance and gustatory integrity of the wine immediately after fermentation. This choice allows the wine to be stabilised, to settle naturally and to be ready for drinking within a few months, retaining vitality, tension and precision.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Curtefranca bianco
- No contact with the lees