Corteforte

The complex of Fumane, today called "Corteforte", arose as a defensive system in the Middle Ages. Originally consisting of four side towers connected by high walls made of stone, it was built at a strategic point of the valley, in the area of Osan. 
In the seventeenth century it became the property of a noble family, who transformed it into country house, refined by new decoration and arches. Even the surrounding land was converted and turned into vineyards. Of the later period is the interesting collection of tools for the campaign and the cellar exposed under the porch. The complex is now a farm producing the classical wines of Valpolicella: Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, Amarone e Recioto DOC. It also preserved the tradition of an ancient wine, Recioto "Amandorlato", considered the father of the Amarone.

The vines, brought up with the traditional method of Pergola Veronese, stretch for about three hectares at an altitude between 150 and 300 meters on volcanic and basaltic soil,  with red stone and limestone. The grapes owns to the ampelographical tradition of the Valpolicella: Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara, in addition to a small amount of native varieties: Oseleta, Dindarella, Pelara. The drying takes place in a loft and all wines, aged in French oak barrels, are distinguished by their strong but traditional character. They are produced three different types of Amarone, "Terre di San Zeno", which derives its name from the vineyards once the benefit of the Abbot of St. Zeno; "Vigneti di Osan", a small plot "cru" that produces a few hundred bottles per year and "Dea Lualda" flagship of Corteforte, which arises only in exceptional vintages and with the best fruits. For that dedicated to the goddess of fertility of the fields and prosperity of the harvest at the time of Arusnati, ancient and indigenous people of the Valpolicella before the Roman conquest. The production is completed by Rosso IGT "Concentus" inspired by the harmonious blend of different grapes of the ampelographical base Valpolicella.

At Corteforte it is possible to take guided tours and tastings for groups (by reservation) and for individuals both in Italian or other languages.
It is of course possible to buy in the wine or request the expedition of them, with the convenience of receiving them directly to your own home.

Corteforte is also a farm house, with the possibility to overnight in the rooms of the ancient medieval tower. The four double rooms, which are named after the traditional grapes of Valpolicella (Corvina, Rondinella, Molinara, Dindarella), are furnished with vintage's furniture and equipped with modern and comfortable facilities. There is also a charming little country cottage situated on the top of a hill and surrounded by olive groves (hence the name of Olivella) and vineyards, with a splendid view of the surrounding plain. You can taste the specialties of the region at the "Enoteca della Valpolicella", restaurant within the complex of Corteforte where you will be pampered by the care of the staff, always attentive to the use of raw materials of the season and from the area, accompanied from a wine list that includes more than 800 labels.