On the top of Santa Giulia hill, beside the cluniac church of the same name, the glorious eighteenth century villa Palazzo Cazzago is home to the 1701 winery. The villa is part of ancient land belonging to the noble families of Bettoni and Cazzago. The land includes approximately 15 hectares of hillside in Cazzago San Martino, Franciacorta.

The name 1701 was chosen to recall the first vinification of their “brolo”, a 4-hectare vineyard framed by XI century walls.
1701 Franciacorta is a 10 ha organic certified winery now in conversion to Demeter. As members of Renaissance des Appellations they follow biodynamic farming methods – an approach which excludes any chemical intervention. It is ultimately a philosophy of life, about working closely with the vine, understanding and respecting its life cycle until the point when bottled it can fully express its vitality and character and above all the authenticity of its terroir. From Chardonnay and Pinot Noir vineyards, they produce Franciacorta Brut, Satèn and Rosé and a Vintage Dosaggio Zero in exceptional years. The range also includes Sullerba, a semi sparkling Chardonnay ‘sur lie’.

Grapes are hand harvested and whole bunches are put into stainless vats except the Sullerba which is fermented 50% in amphora. Secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle – the Sullerba is on the lees for 18 months, the Saten and the Brut spend 30 months before bottling. The Sullerba is unfiltered, whereas the other two undergo a very light filtration.