The fruits of a unique land: the Cru wines of the Convento dell’Annunciata
Franciacorta has a centuries-old history of producing fine wines.
Through extensive research, the Bellavista winery has documented the historical, climatic and oenological uniqueness of the Convent lands, preserving and enhancing the winemaking heritage bequeathed by the Friars.
Today, Bellavista’s two wines bear witness to the splendid history of this place.
Bellavista studies and Convent wines
The Bellavista winery’s association with the convent began in the 1980s with the discovery of the historic vineyard. This 5.45-hectare plot is unique and exemplary for Franciacorta. In 1984, the elderly Friar Sebastiano decided to entrust the vineyard to Bellavista. The winery has built on the Friars’ many years of dedicated work to maximise the potential of the vineyard.
The Excellence of the Crus: Bellavista’s Innovative Pursuit
From this moment on, Bellavista launched the first Italian research study into the enhancement of ‘cru’: vineyards whose uniqueness is due to factors such as geographical position, soil composition, microclimate, cultivation style and historicity, as evidenced by documentary sources. Through this project, the company has succeeded in documenting the historical, climatic and oenological uniqueness of the Convento vineyards, thereby proving Franciacorta’s long-standing, supreme ‘vocation’ for producing fine wines.
From Innovation to Tradition: The Convent’s Chardonnay
Ten years after the research began, resulting in the publication ‘Il rinascimento della vite al Convento dell’Annunciata’ (The Renaissance of the vine at the Convento dell’Annunciata), the genetic heritage of the oldest vines had been completely regenerated. In 1991, the vineyard started producing the 100% Chardonnay ‘Convento della Santissima Annunciata’, a balanced wine that combines the freshness typical of northern regions with the intense aromas of the Mediterranean. The must ferments in small, three- to four-year-old oak barrels, where it rests for 12 months, followed by at least another two years in the bottle.
Zuanne: the Merlot Dedicated to Gianni Brera
Adjacent to the Convento vineyard is a smaller vineyard with southern exposure: the Brera vineyard. This vineyard commemorates the friendship between entrepreneur Vittorio Moretti, owner of Bellavista, and sports journalist Gianni Brera. This vineyard produces the wine named ‘Zuanne’, a Merlot dedicated to Gianni Brera, who loved wines of an exceptional quality with an excellent fruity bouquet, yet also soft and rounded. The grapes are only harvested when fully ripe and fermented in the traditional red wine manner before continuing to develop in small casks for over 16 months. After bottling, Zuanne remains in the cellar for around 12 months.
Curtefranca Convento della Santissima Annunciata
Curtefranca Zuanne della Santissima Annunciata
Would you like further information?
Our commitment is to open our doors to guests and take care of their stay in harmony with, and with respect for, the history of the Convento dell’Annunciata.
Contact us to find out how you can experience moments of peace and serenity in this enchanting location.