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Colterenzio

The wines from the hamlet of Colterenzio were favourites of Archduke Sigismund when he resided at Firmiano Castle in the 15th century, though the area was producing fine wines much earlier. Around 15 b.C. a Roman country gentleman named Cornelius settled here and established his “Cornelianum” wine estate and the first wine culture in the area. The Roman name eventually evolved into “Cornaiano”, the village Colterenzio calls home. The Colterenzio winegrowers’ co-operative was founded by 28 vintners in 1960. Over the years other passionate viticulturalists from diversified micro-zones in the area joined the collective, and today nearly 300 members cultivate approximately 300 hectares of vineyards.

Renewable Energy

Since 2009 Colterenzio has been working toward being a green business: the headquarters have undergone a major restoration; all buildings have been equipped with photovoltaic and solar panels and now Colterenzio produces green energy supplying 55% of its total consumption and 70% of all hot water required.
The power produced with photovoltaic panels is utilized by the majority of our machines, including the computer system for the bottling line, and the air conditioner system in the wine cellar which strictly maintains the temperature both in the tanks and surrounding air.
The hot water, used for sanitization in the wine cellar and in the bottling line, is obtained with a combined technique of solar-energy (via solar panels) and efficient capture of the heat produced by the normal functioning of the boilers and air compressors.
This new energy concept originates from the commitments of Colterenzio vintners towards an environmentally friendly high-quality production. In fact, only by paying the upmost respect to the ecosystem, it is possible to produce healthy grapes, that are aimed for high-quality wines. As a natural consequence, the use of renewable energies in the cellar, is for Colterenzio its duty to safeguard the environment.