Ca' del Bosco
Big dreams, big wines
The fairytale story of Ca'del Bosco begins in the mid-1960s at Erbusco in Franciacorta, when Annamaria Clementi Zanella buys a small house on a hillside. The locals called this "Ca'del Bosc".
Her then 15-year-old son Maurizio Zanella, was immediately attracted to this region. When his mother planted the 1st vineyard here, this was the initial contact with what would later prove to be the love of his life. But it was only after traveling throughout the Champagne region, to the most famous houses that had always fascinated and inspired him, that Maurizio returned with the unshakable idea of creating something similar. The result, then, is undeniable: What was once a modest wooden shack became one of the most pioneering wineries in Italy.
"The most prestigious wine is dedicated to my mother, my inspiration and guide, the first to believe in me and my dreams" - Maurizio Zanella
The Franciacorta area is a very prosperous region in the northern Italian region of Lombardy and has been known since the 1970s for the production of harmonious sparkling wines, following the Méthode Traditionnelle, under the designation of origin Franciacorta DOCG. These wines enjoy enormous prestige in Italy; demand is so great that they can barely meet it and there is little margin for export. Ca'del Bosco is therefore very proud of their role as a frontrunner in this which they have been playing for many years.
In addition to sparkling wines, both red and white wines under the "Curtefranca" name are produced from international grape varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Carmenere, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Noir. Therefore, not only we, but also world-renowned wine critics, rate these wines very highly. The "quest for excellence" is the principle that defines the essence of Ca'del Bosco.
Grapes, terroir and art: the soul of Franciacorta at Ca' del Bosco
Tending a vineyard means recreating the best possible conditions, to get only the best out of the different soils and to valorize the unique characteristics of each soil. It means nurturing all the components of a natural habitat whose balance is fundamental to sustaining life. It means taking care of them.
Today they manage more than 280 hectares of vineyards according to the protocol of certified organic viticulture. An initiative that began in 1989, as an experiment, and has been completed in recent years. The vineyards are spread across 11 municipalities in Franciacorta, and the average age of the vines is over 20 years.
"The essence of Franciacorta"
Their story marks a journey rich in values, triumphs and dreams, collected in a Manifesto. Ca' del Bosco is a place where art and wine meet and merge with sculpture and the harmonious landscape. The passion for art springs from its resemblance to wine, a three-dimensional product that stimulates multiple senses: vision, smell and taste.
Maurizio Zanella's penchant for sculpture is well served by the location, whose beautiful landscapes provide the perfect setting for works of art. The chosen works express values and concepts related to the natural cycles of the vineyards and their environment. Over time, passion and creativity have been enhanced by a penchant for challenges and intellectual provocation.
The artworks located at Ca' del Bosco are not part of a collection: all the artists' works are site-specific, planned after a visit to the winery, so the art will interact with the natural beauty of its context. The resulting image is strong and sustainable, of high cultural and economic quality, and reflects human ambition and perseverance.
The Ca'del Bosco Method
The Ca' del Bosco method means paying close attention to every little detail. During the grape harvest, every step is crucial. The grape bunches are moved in small crates to avoid crushing them. After being picked by hand, they are cooled in a refrigerated cell and cold pressed. All bunches are carefully selected by hand: only healthy grapes can be turned into great wine. After the whole bunches are pressed, the must is divided into three qualities. The highest quality musts are vinified by single vinyard, to allow them to fully express their terroir.
They were the first in the region to use a special cork machine, designed by us and patented in November 2005, that eliminates the oxygen in the bottle before it is corked. By degorging in an oxygen-free environment, they reduce the sulfite content. This is one of the aspects they are most proud of, as it makes the Franciacortas healthier and longer lasting.
Berry Spa
The "grape spa" is an exclusive system for washing and drying grapes that we have been using since the 2008 harvest, eliminating unwanted microorganisms, fine dust particles and residue from the treatments. The wine made from these grapes when pressed is more intense and pure, expressing its aromatic potential to the full. Thanks to this process, the full potential of the soil and the character of the grapes is enhanced, giving the wines a recognizable style that is true to their terroir. This innovative decision focuses on quality and the pleasure of healthy drinking.
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