Situated within the rolling hills of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy is where you will find Attems, a pillar of grape growing in the Collio region – a rich, viticultural history that is recorded all the way back to 1106 with a documented land purchase for planting vines.
The 44 hectares that make up the Attems estate produce wines that are reflective of its gorgeous landscape and ideal weather conditions that are perfectly suited to the aromatic, fresh wine styles of their portfolio.
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Attems was taken under new ownership in 2000 by the highly acclaimed Frescobaldi family and has since strengthened its distinct characteristics of terroir in their wines through continuous research and biodynamic vineyard practices. Recently, Attems has utilized the use of cover crops to act as a natural fertilizer to the otherwise low-nutrient soils. The unique soils of the Attems vineyards are categorized by three areas:
- The Isonzo area that’s comprised of sand, silt, and gravel soil that’s quite warm. This is where chardonnay and sauvignon blanc are grown.
- Flat land in the centre of the property between Collio and Isonzo, called “manine”, that consists of well-drained, loamy soils suited for pinot grigio and ribolla gialla.
- “Ponca”, a marine origin soil made up of sandstone and marl, that originated millions of years ago. This land on the Cicinis hill is strictly for their flagship wine made with sauvignon blanc. It’s within the Collio D.O.C. which is marked for its fossil soils, and these are Attems’ highest and coolest vineyards.
Attems winemaker Daniele Vuerich.
Beyond soil composition, the other two primary factors that impact estate vines are the high diurnal range, retaining freshness and aromatics in the grapes, and refractive sunlight from the Adriatic coast found within 15km of the vineyards that especially aids in late summer ripening.
“Attems sits in a blessed position between mountains and sea.” — Daniele Vuerich, Winemaker at Attems
Winemaker Daniele Vuerich keeps a keen eye on the Attems vineyards to ensure the harvest of the grapes happens at prime time for encapsulating desirable aromatics for the wine’s final product. Instead of relying on sending ripe grapes away for analysis of sugar levels and other data, every day is spent tasting the grapes to determine when to harvest based on optimum aromatic and flavour characteristics. According to Vuerich, “It’s a method has truly paid off.” A true connection between vineyard and winemaker.
“Personally, my favourite is our sauvignon blanc,” adds Vuerich. “It best expresses the quality of the territory, and has the most perfect balance of aromas and flavours.”
There are two single varietal sauvignon blanc wines in the Attems portfolio, both quite stylistically different from the other. They reveal lovely structure, with mineral and salty qualities and slightly restrained acids, but unique aromatic and flavour expressions of the grape. A side-by-side tasting of the two is a thrilling endeavor for wine enthusiasts, and with more Attems wines hitting store shelves in North America, and in restaurants, a portfolio exploration is highly recommended.
Attems 2023 Sauvignon Blanc Venezia Giulia IGT
An abundance of guava and passion fruit aromas ascend from the glass in a tangling whirlwind. Attractively floral. Volts of acidity pierce through the palate adding just the right amount of zesty freshness alongside lemon and orange notes. There’s an elegant mineral element and fine texture as a result of the four months of lees aging this sauvignon blanc sees that all concludes with a lengthy and striking saline finish.
Attems 2021 Cicinis Collio DOC
The Cicinis, named after the hill on which it’s grown, is Attems’ flagship wine. Made up of 100% hand-picked sauvignon blanc and falling within the Collio D.O.C., this wine is fermented in 50% barrique and 50% concrete eggs and sees a minimum of eight months of lees aging. It offers a fresh, but earthy essence, giving meadow aromas of straw and wildflowers. Luxuriously clean, elegant, poised. Wet stone and tantalizing mineral nuances in complete harmony with all flavours and structural elements. A wine to be celebrated for its beautiful totality.
Attems 2023 Pinot Grigio Friuli DOC
Jasmine, pear and a hint of coconut on the nose leads to a juicy, peachy palate with zippy acids. There are mineral and textural complexities here that add depth to this widely misunderstood grape. Fresh lime and white pepper notes continue on a crisp, persistent finish. A serious pinot grigio that can easily be enjoyed by the wine curious and veteran palates alike.
Attems 2023 Pinot Grigio Ramato Friuli DOC
A pinot grigio derived from the Province of Gorizia that undergoes a 10-hour skin contact giving it a pale peach hue. Gorgeous floral and candied aromas with rhubarb and pink grapefruit. Brisk acidity elevates red berry notes intertwined with both mineral flavour and texture flaunting depth and delicate complexities. Fruity, yet refined and delicate.
