Attems

Attems is one of Friuli’s most historic producers, with a winemaking heritage dating back nearly a millennium. Count Douglas Attems, who led his family’s estate for the second half of the 20th Century, also founded the important Consorzio dei Vini del Collio in 1964, helping the region achieve DOC recognition. In 2000, he sold the estate to the  Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi, whom he had gotten to know during their years as students at the University of Florence. The cellars are based in Capriva del Friuli, and the vineyards in the neighboring Lucinico district. Altogether their holdings consist of 104 acres of south-facing terraced slopes on the Collio hillsides, as well as plateaus in the Isonzo area. Most of it is planted to white varieties – in particular Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Ribolla Gialla – grown on micro vineyard blocks, according to soil composition and microclimate.

The estate is surrounded by nature that is rich in biodiversity, an important factor in the cultivation of grape vines.  A few years ago the use of green manure was introduced, consisting of cover crops that are incorporated into the ground to preserve fertility of the soil. The three distinctive features of the microclimate of this territory are the soils, the temperature fluctuations, and the sunlight.

The diversity of these three types of soil is a valuable 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 the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are harvested earlier in the season to enhance the freshness and fruitiness of the wines.

The middle area of the property, known as “manine,” or “little hands,” is a primarily flat area set between Collio and Isonzo, characterized by loamy soils with good drainage. The varieties planted there 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, it affects the aromatic characteristics of the grapes and the flavor of the resulting wine. The grapes grown in this vineyard section are Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano, and Picolit. The Cicinis hill is dedicated to the Sauvignon Blanc variety and harvested at two different times, first in the lower parts and then in the higher areas.

The Friuli region and its winegrowing areas are unique and expressive, and the local territory shines through in all of the Attems wines.

Learn more here.