Region: Lombardia

Zone:

Curtefranca DOC

In 2008, the producers in the Franciacorta district decided that at all Spumante wines should be classified under their own DOCG, which thereafter became known as Franciacorta DOCG. The DOC name for the non-sparkling wines was subsequently changed to Terre di Franciacorta DOC, and thus became an independent DOC appellation for the zone's red and white wines.

The name's similarity to Francicorta DOCG created quite a bit of dissatisfaction and confusion, which prompted the producers, in protest, to sell their wines under the name Curtefranca. This was the starting point to the eventually official name change to Curtefranca DOC in 2008.

Curtefranca lies south of the beautiful mountain lake, Lago d'Iseo (Lake Iseo), slightly northwest of Brescia, and the area has been known for wine cultivation from the earliest times. The name likely originates from the Middle Ages, where the monastic orders were exempt from paying taxes and tariffs. Thus the name, "France curtes" (exempt farms). On the other hand, the pious and hard-working monks imposed strict taxes and tariffs on the area's poor farmers, but that's a whole other story.

The soil conditions permit cultivation of a wide range of grapes. Thus, Curtefranca, of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Nebbiolo and Merlot, dominates. If you come across a pure Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot or Pinot Nero, then it's an IGT wine, and they can be quite interesting acquaintances. The label will clearly indicate if it's a DOC or IGT wine.

There are also wines from single-vineyard areas in Curtefranca, and they can be exceptional wines. The vineyard's name will be placed on the label.

Read more about the wines from Curtefranca DOC by clicking i the top menu in the right side.