Founded in the late 1980s by one of Franciacorta’s pioneers, Vittorio Moretti, the Contadi Castaldi winery is located in a former brick factory where owner Moretti’s wife worked as a child. The underground cellar, which was constructed using artisanal masonry before the winery was established there, is ideal for the long-term aging of classic method sparkling wines because of its natural cool temperatures and humidity. Thanks to Moretti’s long-term relationships with myriad family growers in the Franciacorta appellation, he is able to source top fruit for the estate’s critically acclaimed wines. The focus for Contadi Castaldi is the winery’s Satèn, made from 100 percent Chardonnay grapes which is today considered one of the benchmarks for the appellation. From the archaic Italian word for satin, the name Satèn is both a reference to Franciacorta’s legacy as a silk producer and to the wine’s silky texture. Moretti was the first to produce a Satén in Franciacorta and he later “donated” the designation to the appellation so that other producers could use it as well. The winery’s distinctive, youthful packaging gives the wine extra appeal.