Attems is a name that encompasses the history of wine in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Indeed there is documentation that confirms ownership of land dedicated to viticulture in Collio by the Attems dynasty dating as far back as 1106. The story of Attems is thus interwoven with history: from the Patriarchate of Aquileia to the County of Gorizia, from the First World War to the present day – it is owned by the Frescobaldi family since the year 2000. 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 vineyard of Cicinis is a terraced hill at the foot of Monte Calvario (Podgora) in Collio Goriziano.
The soil is composed of the typical “Ponca” of fragmented rock, loam and sand formed by the rising of the seabeds millions of years ago during the eocene.
The grapes, harvested at dawn, are pressed whole with the utmost care, and the must thus obtained is left to rest through static decantation for 24 hours. Then follows the alcoholic fermentation which takes place for 50% in egg-shaped concrete tanks, exclusively dedicated to this wine, for 10% in new barriques and for the remaining 40% in second and third passage barriques and tonneaux. These will be the containers in which the Cicinis will refine, enriching itself by resting on its lees, up to the preparation of the wine for bottling. During these 9 months, the wine matures at low temperatures with no malolactic fermentation.
The winter of 2022 was dry, with little rainfall and fairly mild temperatures, which nevertheless gradually increased until Sauvignon budded between 10 and 20 April, depending on the exposure of the vineyard terraces. Compared to the average for the area, budding started 10 days late thanks to pruning carried out close to budding; a useful agronomic practice that we have been adopting for years.
Spring was characterised by mild temperatures and generally good weather, ensuring constant vegetation growth.
The Sauvignon Blanc vines blossomed rapidly on the hills, starting on 25 May. In June and July, the hot summer was replenished by a few beneficial showers that allowed the plants to face the month of August without a significant water imbalance. The tilling of the soil and timely trimming of the leaf wall helped maintain an excellent vegetative/ productive balance, preventing undesirable water stress phenomena in sensitive varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc. The “ponca”, the soil of the Cicinis vineyard, is well draining on the surface but in the deeper layers it retains water, a precious resource for the plants during the hot summers. This unique terroir has given us in this 2022 musts very rich in aromas, sugars and an excellent balance between grape acids.
To the eye, it has a classic straw yellow colour with greenish reflections. Boxwood buds, gooseberries and guava are the first scents released by shaking the glass, but the aroma is surprising and complex, of white rose, cedar peel with hints of spice and toasted bread. The 2022 vintage is distinguished by its full-bodied character and balanced acidity. The unmistakable mineral finish with citrus hints emerges in the finish. The remarkable persistence is a clear sign of the excellent aging potential of this vintage.
Italy
100% Sauvignon Blanc
cork
13.5%