Producer
The Dal Cero family has transformed their Ca’ dei Frati property, situated on the southern shores of Lake Garda, into a model Italian estate over the past two decades. Back in 1987, they had 12 hectares of vineyard but now, following the purchase of a large chunk of prime vineyard in 2008, they have over 160 hectares. This increase in quantity has been matched by an increase in quality and today they remain the best producer in Lugana.
Vineyards
The secret to the success of the Ca’ dei Frati wines is the outstanding vineyards. Most producers in the zone crop at high levels and train the vines high. At Ca’ dei Frati, the vines are trained low, newer vineyards have a higher density of planting and yields are well below the average for the area. All grapes are grown in Ca’ dei Frati’s own vineyards, which are located on the south banks of Lake Garda, near the town of Sirmione. The vines from which ‘Brolettino’ is made were planted in 1971, with clay soils. The training system is single and double Guyot and the yield is nine tonnes per hectare.
Vinification
Fermentation took place in temperature-controlled, stainless-steel tanks after which half of the wine was transferred to small 225 litre barriques for six months, while the rest spent that time in stainless steel. The wine was then blended together.