i Clivi
In the early 90's Ferdinando Zanusso acquired two ancient vineyards - twelve hectares of very old vines on steep, terraced hills in two of Friuli's best sites: eight in the Corno di Rosazzo, in the 'Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC district, and four in the Brazzano di Cormons, in the Collio district. Although the vines were in pathetic conditions, he saw that they could be saved. Ferdinando's aim was to make as 'transparent' a wine as possible, in which soil, climate and tradition show through the wine without interferences, intervention or 'improvements', giving, in short, the purest expression of 'terroir'. This is achieved through organic cultivation in the vineyard, with naturally low yields (seldom reaching 20 hectolitres a hectare), and spontaneous, non-interventionist winemaking to ensure absolute integrity. The first wine produced was in 1996. The wines are fermented using the vineyard's own yeast cultures, undergo subsequent malolactic fermentation and are matured in stainless steel tanks for two years, with no racking or filtration. The Brazan and Galea vineyards are on the sea-facing slopes of Collio and Collio Orientale del Friuli, on a mixture of limestone, clay and sandstone. The Brazan vineyard has steeper slopes and more humid soils giving characteristics of licorice and spice. The Galea is a cooler vineyard but with more sunshine producing earthier wines with honeyed and mineral notes. For such 'simple' wines these are in fact quite intellectual.
 |
Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
Normally produced as a sweet wine this Verduzzo is an exceptional rarity, from old vines and made totally dry. With naturally high levels of tannins (historically the skins were used to boost the tannin content of the red wines) this undergoes a very light pressing in order not to extract too much tannin. The result is a fabulously textured, full bodied wine with richness and complexity. This would be perfect with cheeses, especially a dry goat's... (more info)
 |
Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
At only 11.3% this is a wonderfully refreshing, pure and clean wine, full of fresh aromatics (mint and herbs) and chock full of bright fruit. Although this is great for drinking young it does evolve beautifully over two or three years and more.
 |
Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
A fascinating red which is made from very old and low yielding Merlot vines in the Galea vineyard. Vinified in stainless steel, with the cap held in suspension half way up the tank, the wine is then aged in fifteen year old oak barrels for one year (so as to allow the wine to 'breath' without taking on oak flavours), before spending a further year back in stainless steel. The 2003 has only just been released and deemed ready for drinking. This is... (more info)
 |
Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
From the home vineyard which enjoys all round sunshine the expression here is deeper and earthier (than the Brazan), with notes of baked apples, spices and cream. Quite delicious.
 |
Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
The steep hillside Brazan vineyard neighbours that of Borgo del Tiglio, with vines in excess of seventy years old. A warmer vineyard than that of Galea, the wine is richly textured, aromatic and fully flavoured with notes of liquorice, wild honey and spice. The finish is pure and long expressing the natural flavours of the vineyard. Awesome wine for the price.
 |
Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
Made from Malvasia Istriana one might be forgiven for thinking that this will be grapily scented and fruity, but far from it. The ancient and low yielding vines of the i Clivi vineyards produce a bone dry wine of great texture and restrained fruit, but with lovely fruit flavours (dry white peach and apricot) and tremendous length.
 |
Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
Fabulous expression of fully mature old vines Friulano (unoaked). Deep gold in colour, richly aromatic, textured with hints of toffee and dried fruits, still very mineral and quite long. Best decanted and served chilled rather than cold.