Territory
Knowledge, sensitivity, innovation
The care and study of every single parcel lead us to produce prestigious Franciacorta wines born from an extraordinary terroir.
The term Franciacorta defines the area delimited by Monte Orfano, Monte Alto, and the hills of Lake Iseo. The estate of Castello Bonomi is located on the southern slopes of Monte Orfano, which provides an exceptional conglomerate of calcareous, chalky, friable soil rich in minerals. Castello Bonomi is the only château in the region and is situated in a spectacular natural amphitheater in the town of Coccaglio. Surrounded by a centuries-old park, the terraced vineyards develop for 32 hectares, reaching up to 275 meters above sea level. They are still enclosed by a dry stone wall dating back to the mid-19th century.
Castello Bonomi presents a Mediterranean microclimate, also confirmed by the spontaneous growth of caper plants on the castle walls.
The Monte Orfano protects the vineyards from the Alpine winds, and the southeast and southwest exposure on the slopes provides perfect sun exposure, with rainfall levels 20% lower than in other areas of Franciacorta.
The significant temperature ranges due to the mountain's height and the temperate climate allow optimal ripening during the harvest, which is carried out manually over several days. This ensures that every single parcel and vine reaches full technological maturity and the right balance between sugar and acidity in the grapes.
Castello Bonomi's vineyards are divided into 39 parcels, including 6 different crus, which are harvested and vinified separately to highlight the characteristics and identity of each plot of land through micro-parcellation.
The unique terroir of Monte Orfano has also proven to be ideal for the cultivation of Erbamat, an ancient indigenous grape variety from Brescia, which has been recovered thanks to the efforts of Castello Bonomi's technical team.
The first mention of the use of this variety in the local wine scene dates back to 1564 by Agostino Gallo, a renowned Italian agronomist, who described the wine produced with Erbamat, then called "albamate," as "[...] gentler than any other white."
Erbamat is a late-ripening grape variety characterized by pronounced acidity, ideal for bringing freshness to Franciacorta wines, especially considering the ongoing dynamics of climate change.
The unique terroir of Monte Orfano has also proven to be ideal for the cultivation of Erbamat, an ancient indigenous grape variety from Brescia, which has been recovered thanks to the efforts of Castello Bonomi's technical team.
The first mention of the use of this variety in the local wine scene dates back to 1564 by Agostino Gallo, a renowned Italian agronomist, who described the wine produced with Erbamat, then called "albamate," as "[...] gentler than any other white."
Erbamat is a late-ripening grape variety characterized by pronounced acidity, ideal for bringing freshness to Franciacorta wines, especially considering the ongoing dynamics of climate change.
Based on these premises, Castello Bonomi decided to invest in being one of the first wineries in Franciacorta to promote the study and experimentation of this variety. The aim was to introduce a terroir-based viticulture that is connected to the characteristics and historical significance of Franciacorta, alongside varietal viticulture represented by the international grape varieties typically used in the production of Franciacorta wines. This has been the objective pursued by the Erbamat project in recent years.
Success was achieved in 2017 when Erbamat was officially included in the Franciacorta production regulations. However, this is just the first step towards a broader and more widespread integration of this ancient variety. The goal is to reach a vineyard area representing 10% of the entire surface of Castello Bonomi, further demonstrating the commitment to betting on this grape variety and its value. Cuvée 1564 Brut Nature Castello Bonomi is the first Franciacorta, within the entire denomination, produced with the maximum percentage of Erbamat allowed by the regulations.
The Franciacorta wines of Castello Bonomi are born with the aim of representing the unique characteristics of this terroir through meticulous care in the cellar of the exceptional grapes sourced from our vineyards.
Success was achieved in 2017 when Erbamat was officially included in the Franciacorta production regulations. However, this is just the first step towards a broader and more widespread integration of this ancient variety. The goal is to reach a vineyard area representing 10% of the entire surface of Castello Bonomi, further demonstrating the commitment to betting on this grape variety and its value. Cuvée 1564 Brut Nature Castello Bonomi is the first Franciacorta, within the entire denomination, produced with the maximum percentage of Erbamat allowed by the regulations.
The Franciacorta wines of Castello Bonomi are born with the aim of representing the unique characteristics of this terroir through meticulous care in the cellar of the exceptional grapes sourced from our vineyards.
