In the mid-1800s, a local merchant named Luigi Rossetti fell in love with the land around Monticelli Brusati and decided to turn a farmhouse into an elegant mansion and winery, thereby establishing Antica Fratta.

 

By digging into the rocky hill behind the Villa, he built a beautiful wine cellar with four tunnels arranged in the form of a Greek cross to store his prized Franciacorta wines. In 1979 the property was bought by Franco Ziliani of the Berlucchi family, who was charmed by the unique cellars and beautiful vineyards.

 

Berlucchi was and is one of the major names in Franciacorta, but they wanted to expand into boutique production