If I could paint a picture of dramatic vineyards in Italy, I would base it on the landscape of the Zorzettig properties. Located in Friuli Venezia Giulia the landscape is influenced by the Adriatic Sea and equally the dramatic mountaintops of the Eastern Dolomites. The province is home to a convergence of multiple civilizations and a complex, tangled history as intricate and striking as the diversity of the terrain. Friuli is most for white wines. Its borders are adjacent to Slovenia at its west side, Austria to the north, the Adriatic Sea to the south and Veneto to the east. It is Friuli where the most fragrant and vibrant white wines in Italy grow almost effortlessly.
The name MYÒ is a word that can be found in the oldest poem in Friulano dialect, wrote in Cividale del Friuli in the first half of the XIV century. "In the four stanzas the main character compares his beloved woman to his land, both loved beyond all other things."
It is fitting that this historic part of winemaking in Italy thrives here. With the magnificence of landscape and the luxury of spaciousness, the Zorzettig Winery is perched high atop the slopes of Spessa di Cividale. This is the epicenter of DOC, Friuli Colli Orientali. Its particular microclimate is derived from the cooler currents of mountain air from the Alps and the cool pure sea breezes of the Adriatic.
Zorzettig has a luminous role with over 100 years of winegrowing, family tradition, all complemented by the stunning beauty of Friuli. With over 70 years of winemaking, the winery today has culminated in a company run by four generations of infallible women of the Zorzettig family. For the last 10 years, the determined and driven Annalisa Zorzettig has been the newest generation at the helm steering the brand into modernized winemaking with a focus on sustainability. The property consists of 100 hectares of vineyards which include both indigenous and international varieties. It is complemented by an ancient cellar dating back from 1780. Just a few miles away, a retreat of the Zorzettig’s known as Relais La Collina. A perfect home base for relaxing and recharging between exploring the riches of Friuli and winetasting. You can relax poolside or explore on bicycles they provide. The perfect way to get some rest and relaxation in!
We asked Analisa Zorzettig for her insights into what makes this region and the wine so special.
WS (The Wine Siren): What were your earliest memories of growing up on this property?
Analisa Zorzettig (AZ): I remember our grandparents encouraging us to fill up big demijohns containing up to 54 liters. I must have been about 6 or 8 years old. It was a funny way to spend some time with my siblings and cousins. I do clearly recollect also that sometimes we tasted the wine from the big casks before bottling it and we ended up lying down under the casks.
WS: In your eyes, what makes the land of Zorzettig unique?
Analisa Zorzettig: Soil and geographical configuration of our hilly vineyards. All our vineyards are located on the hills, namely on four distinct hills located one next to each other on a windy channel that runs North-South between Alpi Giulie (Julian Mountains) as are called the local Alps. Alpi Giulie stops humid winds from running away, thus providing us with a sufficient amount of rain. At the same time, winds prevent molds. The natural inclination of the hills allows drainage too. Over the years, we have carried out time-consuming hard work aimed at building terraces on the hills. It turns out that all this work helps us fighting the increasing amount of challenges climate change puts on us. Soil is a key element too. It is a mixture of ponca (the local name for flysch) and sandstone. This soil composition provides the vine with a lot of mineral elements along with water – soil keeps it even if it has not been raining for a while.
WS: What are the particulars of the terroir that determine the varietals that thrive? (ie., Macro, microclimate, soil types and any unique aspects of the land that contribute to a unique aspect in the wine).
Analisa Zorzettig: A unique soil composition, what we called ponca, rich in minerals; a microclimate with sudden changes in humidity and wind regimes; finally, an inclination of our hills that grants a perfect exposure.
WS: This property with over 100 years of history and a cellar from the 18th century is pretty remarkable. What is the history of the property?
Analisa Zorzettig: The history of Zorzettig winery stretches out on over 100 years, with these lands resulting from a stubborn manual work local farmers have been carried out for centuries, as it is described in the MYO ballad from 1380.
This region was first dominated by the Romans, then the Longobards, the Republic of Venice and finally the Austro-Hungarians. They all came here looking for fruit, cereals, and wine grown on the border of their empires.
The turning point of Zorzettig winery was the takeover of the lands previously belonging to the local hospital that we were already cultivating. It was a special place with a little church on the top of the hill surrounded by the pines. It was December 1969 when we finally took over.
WS: MYOs is a very special line of wine. How did you come up with the name and what does this line mean to you?
Analisa Zorzettig: For us, Zorzettig’s MYOs line represents the soul of Friuli. The name MYO comes from an old ballad of 1380, which portrays a special harvest through a love story. MYO embodies a new and at the same time old philosophy belonging to the farmers, a philosophy that the global crisis in 2007-2008 has relived: let’s produce less but in a better and sustainable way.
WS: What is your favorite part of the process of winegrowing and why?
Analisa Zorzettig: Vine flowering and veraison, which both represent the moment vineyards come back to life again.
WS: Share your earliest memory of growing up on a vineyard and when you knew this was going to be your life…
Analisa Zorzettig: There has not been a real decision point. I was born and raised in the vineyard, as we say. And this has become a part of my DNA. I was used to be fed with a baby bottle in the morning while the family was in the vineyard, at lunch a plate of spaghetti in the wine cellar, and for dinner some minestrone soup while clients were around.
WS: What are your favorite varietals? Any new ones on the horizon you might plant?
Analisa Zorzettig: Friulano and Pignolo are the varieties I love more. They represent an interpretation of the Friuli region which is not replicable and is full of history. Lately, we have also planted a small vineyard of Soreli, a fungus-resistant variety of Tocal Friulano which allows us to move a step forward in sustainability without having to dismiss our Friuli flagship variety.
WS: The property is mesmerizing. How many generations are involved in the winery?
Analisa Zorzettig: At the moment there are 4 different generations involved, my mum Antonietta, me, my daughter Veronica and my granddaughter Leonie. A female team, a fantastic experience!
WS: If there was one thing you wanted people to take away from the experience of drinking your wine, what would that be?
Analisa Zorzettig: A positive approach to life, pleasure, conviviality, health, and energy, and a smile-on mood. More than one thing!
WS: What are some of the biggest challenges you face winemaking or wine-growing because of your location/terroir?
Analisa Zorzettig: The biggest challenge has always been the weather. I can say that in the last ten years, it has definitely changed, making it even more difficult to foresee it. As mentioned above, the hard work we have done in terracing the hills is paying back and helped us facing a very humid vintage such as 2014 with a lot of rain and not much sun. But of course, it gets very difficult when the weather changes very fast such as in 2017: on April 6 it almost 20 degrees Celsius, on April 21 we went below zero, which means huge risks as far as frosts.
WS: Are there opportunities to wine taste at your location?
Analisa Zorzettig: Of course! For us, hospitality is a way of being. We encourage both our friends and clients to come along for a visit and a tasting. We have also a country house where people can stop overnight. We prefer to pair our wine with local food, such as Prosciutto di San Daniele or the local salami, or the strucchi, a local dessert when it comes to pairing our sweet wine.
WS: What significant aspects of history played a role in the winery?
Analisa Zorzettig: In 1945, when WWII was on verge of bursting out, in order to save our winery my grandfather buried the cases of wine and hid the big wooden casks beneath the hay. This was because Slovenians were coming around and taking all they could find. We actually preferred to give wine to the US Allies, who usually gave us chocolate and cigarettes.
WS: What type of farming practices do you practice?
Analisa Zorzettig: We use integrated pest control, which uses good insects to fight against bad ones.
WS: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Analisa Zorzettig: From my team of collaborators, my granddaughter, friends, and clients. It is a way to keep renovating on a daily basis our passion for wine.
WS: What aspects of the winery are you involved in?
Analisa Zorzettig: I try to be present, involved and informed in all aspects of the winery, contributing as much as possible and conveying our own style in every moment of winemaking.
Tasting: I had an opportunity to taste the wines and was particularly enamored with the MYO Friulano. But of course! Light citrus notes, a full bouquet of perfume, and a zing of something different likely from the “Ponca” within the soil. Interesting, lively, and elegant. The aromatics are of white flowers and citrus. On the palate a vibrant seductive mouthfeel. Lingering and long-lasting on the finish.
Not only a great winery to buy wine from but an incredible destination to visit. Adding Zorzettig to my bucket list!
Visit: Zorzettig Vini
Bouchaine Winery is the spot to discover great Burgundian varieties made in Napa Valley’s Carneros region. Modern winery meets social hour. Bouchaine Vineyards tasting room
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Sojourn to the apex of Napa Valley with Theorem Vineyards. Adventuring up to Calistoga offers a wide array of wine riches including some boutique & family-owned small lot wineries.
I have a distinct weakness for outstanding Rosé Champagne.
The introduction to this beauty was worth every penny. Every sip. Every moment.
I drank. Yes drank. Not sipped, not tasted, drank in the ethereal elements of this mesmerizing Champagne. Made from 100% Meunier (50% of reserve wine), the Rosé de Meunier Extra Brut took my breathe away. It comes from Vallée de la Marne, in Chavot where the soils are predominately clay.
A luminous example of depth, rich taste and pointed effort. The result is magnificent. There is so much going on in this glass! Voluptuous berries, understated citrus, a bit of mint and minerality. The mousse is elegant and mouthwatering.
The perfect pairing? Duck fat fries.
The vines are approximately 30 years old. Made from 100% Pinot Meunier with 30% maceration, 10% red wine, 60% of reserved wine aged in barrel. Hand picked and fermented in vats, foudres with partial Malolactic, aging on fine lees.
Seven generations have tilled this soil and worked this land. The quest? For the perfect alchemy. It was visionary Jean-Baptiste Lahore who established the estate in the village of Chavost. Later this village would be called Chavot.
Over the years more land was acquired and today two generations are working together to create soulful wine. The latest generation is led by Aurélien Laherte.
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #wine
Ready to cruise unchartered waters? The gods have graced Napa Valley with a worldclass Tiki bar. Here on the roof top deck checking out the views.
There are so many surprises inside. Coming to you the end of October! Get ready for some wicked good fun.
For you Mai Tai connoisseurs, these drinks are legend. The food promises to be compelling. I’m all in. Join me!
#TheWineSiren #NapaValley #KellyMitchell
Savoring every ounce of Porto & Gaia.
These captivating towns! This area is where savvy Europeans chill during holiday. It’s relaxed pace, good natured locals and delicious food and wine grace this region . Their beauty is remarkable. It’s history rich.
This day I ran first to the sea. Yet in the wrong direction. So I never made it there. But I discovered new things. Relived past visits and learned from those I spoke to.
The charm here will draw you in. Hold your heart captive.
Don’t look for crowded streets in the mornings.Life begins in the afternoon here. And then it knows no bounds.
A wedding. An hourly trolly. Buildings that have seen more history than we will ever know.
Dinner. A perfectly cooked tentacle of octopus, beyond generous in portion. Paired with a delectable #Alvarinho. An accommodating chef, and attentive service.
This was a day I’ll remember always.
Do you have a destination that you treasure?
Food by @restaurantebacalhoeiro
Wine by #quintadecidro
Vibe by #Portugal
When jet lag hits Porto and collides with a dirty Grey Goose tini up with Nicoise olive and a twist.
Good night.
Self Portrait: Finally changed my profile pic. Removed the one of me at the Eiffel Tower taken on March 12th just before the borders closed in France and the US.
I think the time after the old pic was taken has truly been a time of self reflection.
Each and everyone of us has been through such a crazy year and a half.
I'm grateful for this time since it's given me time to appreciate and spend more time with my family first. And to focus on the friends who truly are part of my life in ways that matter.
It gave me the opportunity to get in the best shape if my life and focus on the things that really matter in this life.
I hope your journey too has been productive, meaningful and takes you where you want to go.
Wishing you a fabulous weekend in moderation, healthy food and great exercise!
To whatever is in your glass! May it be the most delicious sip ever.
Peace✌️And have a fantastic weekend with your loves.
Melka Estates
Precision is the name of the game. And you’ll certainly find the art of it at Melka.
A venture with two incredibly talented and diverse individuals, husband and wife team, Phillipe and Cherie Melka have created an enviable venture at the top of St. Helena’s Silverado Trail.
Precision’s opportunity presents itself in many venues of winemaking and the one wine creators agree upon is what happens in the vineyard is paramount to creating powerful and diverse taste in the glass.
To capitalize on this during harvest, the Melka’s make not one or two passes in the vineyard but several. To capture the spirit of vibrancy, the depth of flavor, the uniqueness of terroir.
It is a tasting that takes every sense and envelopes it completely. The heights of which taste continually excels the more in-depth one gets into the wine. It brings emotion to the forefront. Part of why I got involved in wine in the first place. Those taste that change one’s perception forever. That open the door to possibility and never let it go.
In the wine space it is not difficult to get jaded on occasion my the dearth of decent wine on the market today. There is not shortage of overpriced above average wine.
Here, the senses are in tune with what nature presents, while taking it a step beyond. The memories of this tasting will long be with me. It gave new life to my interest in wine. It gave meaning and dimension to the thought of truly exceptional wine.
This is a start of the story on the Melka’s and what they are doing for their family brand. Can't wait to delve in deeper!
Pictured: The bottle that brought happy tears to my eyes. 2017 Metisse Martinez Vineyards 70% Cabernet Sauvignon 20% Cabernet Franc 10% Petit Verdot
Great time tasting with dear friend @vinifera_collection. Thanks for capturing the puppy pic!
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