GIROLAMO CONFORTI

Ancient grape varieties and the wisdom of a doctor

It was precisely in 1570 that the manual Libellus de vino mordaci was published, a manuscript that even anticipated the insights of Abbot Dom Pérignon on the production of sparkling wine. This text was written by the Brescia-based doctor Girolamo Conforti who, as a profound connoisseur of oenology and expert taster, wrote guidelines so important that they have influenced Franciacorta producers since the 16th century.

Since then, the history of Franciacorta has continued to the present day, thanks in part to the establishment of production regulations in 1967 and the creation of the controlled designation of origin.

And Girolamo Conforti? He has not been forgotten by everyone; on the contrary, many still pay homage to him today, as they pay homage to his Libellus de vino mordaci. Among all the companies, the one that keeps alive the memory of the now famous doctor from Brescia, honored in the name of the company, is the “Girolamo Conforti” company. An agricultural cooperative currently led by president Francesco Massetti, it brings together a large group of contributing members in Erbusco, whose grapes, vinified in third-party premises, produce some of the most expressive Franciacorta wines of the appellation, almost as if they were the fruit of the ancient writings of Girolamo Conforti himself.