Corte Fusia, Lombardia, Italy

Why Monte Orfano, what is Corte Fusia and who are Daniele & Gigi?

The area known as Franciacorta is a montage of lands, each imaginably able to bring forth wines that tote their distinct traits. Among this patchwork of lands of various altitudes and soil composition, the area of the southern border, Monte Orfano, the oldest part, is critical. Here, on the hills of Monte Orfano, you will find a high presence of limestone and coarse pebble soils, along with a higher temperature and chilling night winds. The combination of these sets the area apart from the rest of Franciacorta (mostly lowlands) and, concerning the other areas, gives this particular patch of land the ability to produce higher quality, more profound wines.

Many of the most important vineyards in the last decades were abandoned. Having a much higher management cost with terraced lands on the hillside, many of the 'names' retreated to the flatlands to take advantage of easier field management. This respectfully translates to grapes with fewer characteristics, born from soil that does not have the depth to bring out all that is Franciacorta. Corte Fusia puts a lot of effort into their lands, and with the pride and desire to revive two-century-old vineyards, they recovered them. They have patches of terraced vineyards on the hill at various heights. Pieces here and there. Theirs is a 100% hands-on job- outstanding commitment, longer hours, and more attention you can taste in the bottle. You get what you give.

Daniele Gentile and Gianluigi (Gigi) Nembrini have roots here since their birth in ‘82. Friends since childhood, less than 30 days separate them in age. They grew up with Monte Orfano behind them, not knowing their friendship would marry into a partnership. These young men envision heightening Franciacorta to a position comparable to the finest Sparkling wines. With studies and passion under their belts, they carved out a name, Corte Fusia. They have recovered time-forgotten vineyards, giving a bit of love and replanting when needed, all on the southern-facing hill of Monte Orfano. They grow classic grapes - Pinot Nero (Noir), Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco- for their classic wines, obeying their dogma, which means maximum respect and less invasiveness. Their dogma is present from the fields to the winery, a family property they have given life to. These diligent young men make four wines - Franciacorta Brut, Franciacorta Satèn, Franciacorta Rosé, and Franciacorta Zero and, in the very best vintages, a 5th, Riserva—intelligent wines with a heart.