Napa Valley’s Sustainable Wine Movement
March 8, 2022
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We sat down with CEO of Napa Green Anna Brittan to get down to earth on sustainable wine and how the program works. Vineyards of
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
We sat down with CEO of Napa Green Anna Brittan to get down to earth on sustainable wine and how the program works. Vineyards of
Use the Best Dark Chocolate Made for Wine Pairing. Chocolate and wine pairing has never been easier. #Sponsored With an intriguing history, chocolate has garnered
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
It’s a New York kind of night.
#sunset #bloodmoon #TheWineSiren #nyc #newyorkstateofmind #skyline #kellymitchell #winetravel #sustainablefuture #sunlight #streetstyle #sunsetphotography #beautifuldestinations #damtraveler #goodvibes #getoutside
Capturing a sense of place, the nuances of the dynamics of terrain, rich history and unique attributes are just a few of the things making a wine something to celebrate. In this post as promised I wanted to share a few of the Rose of Bardolino that made an impact on my palate. Hats off to the new generation of Chiaretto Rose !
Each of these wines offer something unique beyond the typical profile of red berries, minerality and freshness.
In no particular order, these are the Chiaretto that come to mind when I am celebrating a Rose playing a leading role. None of the wine I tasted was created as an after thought. An oh well, I have some extra grapes, let’s see if we can make rose. The people of Bardolino and its three distinct zones, Monte Baldo, La Rocca and Sampo Campagna see Rose as key expression of their celebrated terroirs and the variety Corvina.
If you are living life without Chiaretto Rose you are missing an incredible expression of a distinct land, a historic region and an indellible slice of life
In order of appearance
1) Le Fraghe Rodon
2) Casaretti Rose Dei Casaretti
3) Villabella Chairetto di Bardolino DOC Classico
4) Zeni 1870 Chiaretto Bardolino Amphora
5)Villa Cordevigo 2018 Gaudenza
6)Poggio Delle Grazie Chiaretto
7) Gentili Chiaretto
8) Monte Del Fra Chairetto di Bardolino
Speaking of hats. After 12 years, I am rethinking my hat situation. What was once unique is no longer. And with that, I ask you, what should replace The Siren’s typical hat? In the last photo I replaced it albiet temporarily on top of the Mayacamas… What say you?
PS Had to take a break after a broken nose, and popped cap after my Italy excursion. What a long strange trip the last week has been.
#Bardolino #TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine #rosé #chiarettodibardolino #bardolinocru #lakegarda #Verona #winetravel #toprosé #DrinkPink #qualityrosé #winelife #Travelblogger #winesofitaly #winejudge #travelblog
A return to Bardolino to celebrate Rosé and its most important variety. Corvina!
A tasting of a weighty magnitude and profiles of exceptional expression. Traditional notes that express this food friendly, titillating palate provocateur of Rosé.
The vintage is showing incredibly well. Due to temperature variation the vintage is showing an increased level of acidity adding to the already exceptional presence of salinity & vibrancy.
The featured tasting of Chiaretto from the subzones of Monte Baldo, La Rocca, and Soma Campagna…
With flavors ranging from crunchy nectarines to red berries and beyond, this is Rosé for a palate that enjoys something beyond poolside fare, diverse in its pairing abilities.
Exceptional. Phenomenal values. Stay tuned for my top 5 recommendations.
More to come!
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #Wine #chiarettodibardolino #bardolinocru #corvina #lakegarda #roseallday #rosé #sipitalian #breaktherules #sipoutsidethebox #greatfriends #drinkpink
Chablis oh how I love thee. Let 💋🍷💋#TheWineSiren count the ways.
⭐️Your racy adventurous soul, always ready to compliment a multitude of foods and celebrations .
💫Your exceptional length and perseverance in the name of good taste.
🌟The impressing mid palate acknowledgement.
✨And above all, the resounding celebration of the senses.
🍽 Paired to perfection with black truffles tossed with pasta, freshly grated parmesan cheese, sea salt & freshly ground pepper.
🌏You are made in the name of our planet’s future with sustainable practices. Always an eye on the future and setting a precedent for others in taking care of the planet. What is next?
🍇Almost 1/2 of their 78 hectares are dedicated to Premier Cru and Grand Cru classifications.
🍾William Fevre’s first harvest was in 1959 with just seven hectares and a legacy of descendents who resided in this illustrious region for some 250 years .
🛢The wine is aged in older oak barrels of 6 + yrs. It preserves the expression of freshness of minerality but also highlights the evocative floral notes.
💚* Practicing sustainable growing in its vineyards for nearly 10 years now, Domaine William Fèvre has just obtained “High Environmental Value” (HVE) status, the highest level of environmental certification (February 2015).
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #giveasip #earthmonth #everdayisearthday #chablis #frenchwine #whitewine #winelovers #memorable #liveforthestory #premierecru #grandcru #winelife #winetasting #winetravel #wineinfluencer #travelblogger
Hard to imagine I’d never been to Rombauer. It took an industry event and an invitation from @mvino1 to get me there.
This family-owned @napagreen certified #winery was founded in 1980 by Koerner and Joan Rombauer. They own and sustainable farm over 650 acres of vineyards from Carneros, Stags Leap, Atlas Peak, St Helena, the Sierra Foothills and of course Calistoga.
I was pretty blown away by what I experienced. From their flagship Chardonnay, served from a nine liter Salmanazar to the Carneros-grown Merlot and Sauvignon Blanc, delicious sips were everywhere.
A Napa Valley staple, paired with paella and light bites was a great way to get in on a first time experience here.
Still visible, some burn scars that almost consumed the property from the Glass Fire two years ago. What shook me were both the mind-blowing views and the astute hospitality of every team member on the property. This is a place you must visit. In the name of great wine and indelible experiences.
Pictured on slide ten l to r, @mvino @erinscally @lshariati and moi .
Thank you to the leadership and team @rombauervineyards
#TheWineSiren #KellyMitchell #napagreen #sustainable #climateaction #napacru #truecru #napavalley #visitnapavalley #wine #winetasting #wineexperiences #wheretonext #Winestyle #chardonnay #sauvignonblanc #merlot #zinfandel #wineblogger #travelvlogger #winetasting #bestviews
On this windy and stunning day we welcome the owners of Alpha Omega Winery, Robin and Michelle Baggett. We’re talking about sustainable wine growing and winemaking.
They joined forces creating Alpha Omega in 2005. Their position & work on sustainability makes them a True Cru Napa Valley winery.
Robin was a former cattleman and had his eye on sustainability and was involved in sustainable for well over 20 years.
His focus has always been on water reduction. His goal today is zero emissions and they are actively doing this today. The goal? To leave this planet better than it was found.
Please listen in to this delightful experience on sustainability with @aowinery …
#Sustainable #climateaction #sustainablewine #netzeroemissions #certifiedsustainable #napavalley #visitnapavalley #gogreen #napacru #truecru
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