“Wine is sunlight, held together by water,” Galileo Galilei once said. Here, before Cascina Bonomi, that sentiment feels especially true.
The story of Cascina Bonomi begins in the late 19th century. Andrea Tonelli built this magnificent estate. It features a characteristic castle that gives Castello Bonomi its name.
Tonelli’s life took an interesting turn. He was imprisoned for seven years in the Spielberg fortress. His crime? Being a member of the Carbonari society. He shared this fate with figures like Silvio Pellico.
After his release, thanks to the Austrian Queen’s intervention, Tonelli returned home. He commissioned the renowned architect Antonio Tagliaferri. Tagliaferri designed this architectural gem.
In 1910, the Bonomi family acquired the property. They bought it from Bortolo Tonelli. He was Andrea’s last heir. The estate then became the Bonomi family’s countryside residence.
As is often the case, the property passed down through generations. It eventually reached Engineer Marino Bonomi. In 1985, he established Tenuta Castellino. This marked the revival of the historic family vineyard. He also renovated the premises. They were once an ancient arsenal built on Mount Orfano’s side. Thus began the winery’s journey.
An interesting discovery happened the following summer. Luigi Bersini, the chef de cave, ventured into the woods. Among ivy and wild shrubs, he found ancient vines. The forest had reclaimed a portion of land. It was hiding an old vineyard. This lost vineyard, the CruPerdu, inspired a name. It became the name of one of Castello Bonomi’s most celebrated Franciacorta wines.
In 2008, the winery joined Casa Paladin. This is a family-owned group of wineries. They are located in Italy’s most prestigious denominations. The Paladin family continues the Bonomi family’s work. They maintain consistency with the help of Luigi Bersini. He has led the production since 1985.
Cascina Bonomi stands as a testament to history. It shows resilience and a commitment to quality. From political imprisonment to award-winning wines, its story is rich. It reflects the enduring spirit of Italian winemaking. As you savor a glass of Franciacorta, remember the journey of this remarkable place.