Attems
Sauvignon Blanc 2023
Venezia Giulia IGT
Attems Sauvignon Blanc, like others from the region, remains a hidden treasure. The wines can be compared in fruit ripeness to Sancerre, with a more intense bouquet as well as a lusher weight and texture. Attems shows how the value of quality-driven, artisanal producers can be extraordinary.
Vineyard
The estate extends over 110 acres on south-facing terraced slopes, just to the west of Gorizia, protected from both the cold northern winds and the characteristic “bora” wind of Trieste. The area is particularly suited to viticulture, making Friuli Venezia Giulia one of the leading grape-growing regions of Italy already since the end of the 19th century. The estate is surrounded by nature that is unspoiled and rich in biodiversity, important factors even in the cultivation of grape vines. The three distinctive features of the this territory are the soils, the temperature fluctuations, and the sunlight.
The Attems estate has three distinct types of soils that are an enormous asset:
– The Isonzo section features floodplains with a sand, silt and gravel soil. It tends to be warmer and wetter than other areas of the estate. This, combined with its gentle winds, creates an ideal combination for Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are harvested earlier to enhance the freshness and fruitiness of the wines.
– The middle area of the property, known as “manine” is a primarily flat area set between Collio and Isonzo, characterized by loamy soils with good drainage. The varieties planted here are Pinot Grigio and Ribolla Gialla, characterized by their refined elegance.
– The highest, coolest and windiest part of the estate is in Collio. It takes its name “ponca” from a particular sandstone soil with alternating layers of marl, the composition of which originated millions of years ago. An ideal soil for viticulture, able to affect the aromatic characteristics of grapes and the flavor of the resulting wine. The grapes grown here are Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano and Picolit. The Cicinis hill is dedicated to the Sauvignon Blanc variety and harvested at two different moments, first in the lower parts and then in the higher areas.
The temperature of the region is the second major factor affecting the vineyards. Winters are harsh, with temperatures that often fall below zero. Summers are not excessively hot, with maximum temperatures below 30°C. The hilly layout of the area generates significant temperature fluctuations between daytime and nighttime. The combination of these conditions promotes the accumulation of sugars, pigments and aromatic substances in the grapes.
Lastly, sunlight has a critical role in how grapes ripen, given Attems’ location fewer than 10 miles from the Adriatic coast. The refractive effect of the sunlight on the Gulf of Trieste gives Collio a particularly intense and unique luminosity that, between August and September, contributes to the optimal ripening of grapes. Together with the significant temperature fluctuations, the refractive sunlight effect creates an ideal climate for the production of excellent white wines.
Winemaking
The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented in in stainless steel tanks. A small portion, about 15%, of the pressed juice benefits from a brief, cold temperature maceration. The must obtained from the soft pressing of the grapes is left to rest for 24-48 hours. Subsequently, on clear must, alcoholic fermentation is allowed to take place in steel vats at 66 degrees Farhenheit, for 15 days. Following the fermentation, the wine rests for four months on noble lees, often kept in suspension.
Vintage
Winter 2022 was dry, with little rainfall and fairly mild temperatures, which gradually increased into spring, seeing the Sauvignon vines begin budding in mid-April. Spring was characterized by mild temperatures and generally good weather, ensuring constant vegetation growth. The Sauvignon Blanc vines blossomed rapidly on the hills, starting on 25 May, and towards the end of the month on the cooler plains. In June and July, the summer heat was mitigated by some beneficial rain, which allowed the plants to head into August without a significant water imbalance. The tilling of the land and the timely trimming of the leaf wall helped to maintain an excellent vegetative/productive balance, preventing undesirable water stress in sensitive varieties like Sauvignon Blanc. This year, the must had an excellent concentration of aromatic precursors, which produced particularly intense bouquets after fermentation.
Tasting Note
Straw yellow in color, with green highlights, the Attems Sauvignon has captivating aromas of boxwood, lily of the valley and pomelo. The fresh sensations on the nose are also found in each sip. Combined with its light body, the mineral notes in this wine and the finish of wisteria and bergamot are particularly explosive.
Color
White
Grape Varieties
Sauvignon Blanc
Appellation
Venezia Giulia IGT
Alcohol
12%
Suggested Retail Price
$25.00
Trade Materials
Other Wines by this Producer
Pinot Grigio
Friuli DOC
The Attems Pinot Grigio demonstrates all of the amazing qualities of the Collio region in Friuli Venezia-Giulia: it has superb weight and texture, and is mineral-edged, savory, tangy, and lively.
Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosé
Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato continues a traditional way of producing Pinot Grigio in the province of Venice. The term ramato, or "coppery", was used to describe the pink hue of the wine due to the slight contact with the purple skins before pressing and fermenting. This rosé boasts a rich, fruity bouquet, and opens full on the palate, with multi-faceted flavors.
Cicinis
The Cicinis Sauvignon Blanc is an utterly distinctive expression of Sauvignon Blanc. From a single vineyard in the Collio area, the tremendous density and aromatics are joined by a deep and complex texture due to the aging in oak barrels and cement eggs. Truly the Attems flagship.
