Territory and Estate
The estate extends over 44 hectares of south-facing terraced slopes to the west of Gorizia, protected both from 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. Attems promotes both native grapes such as Ribolla Gialla, as well as other noble varieties including Sauvignon Banc, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay. Given the particularly idyllic environmental conditions, the vineyards flourish and yield their fruits in an ecosystem in which biodiversity reigns.
A UNIQUE TERRITORY
The estate is surrounded by nature that is unspoilt and rich in biodiversity, important factors even in the cultivation of grape vines. A few years ago the use of green manures 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 soils
The diversity of the three types of soils is a valuable asset that is exploited to its full potential in terms of type of vine grown.
- 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, characterised by loamy soils with good drainage. The varieties planted here are Pinot Grigio and Ribolla Gialla, characterised 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 flavour of the resulting wine. The grape grown here is Sauvignon Blanc. 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 vicinity to the Julian Alps of the entire estate implies exposure to low pressure and therefore abundant rainfall – between 1000 and 1600 ml – which is well distributed throughout the year. This creates a water reserve in the surface soil that ensures optimal water supply even during the hottest months.
Ventilation is constant throughout the year. During the summer the eastern breeze keeps the sky cloud free and lowers the humidity. In an area like Collio, with such abundant rainfall, this is essential for reducing the risk of fungal disease.
Temperature fluctuations
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.
Sunlight
Attems vineyards are situated very close to the sea, less than 15 km 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 microclimate for the production of excellent white wines.