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 AD a Roman country gentleman named Cornelius settled here on the nearby “Bichl” – Austrian German for hill – and established his “Cornelianum” wine estate and subsequently the Colterenzio wine culture. The Roman name eventually evolved into Cornaiano. Tradition is binding – a commitment to taking courageous decisions. The Colterenzio winegrowers’ co-operative was founded by 28 farmers in 1960. Over the years other vineyard owners in and beyond the Cornaiano area joined and today 290 members cultivate over 300 hectares of vineyards.
