Wine: Bortoluzzi: Chardonnay Venezia Giulia IGT

Friuli

This most Northeastern region of Italy bordering Austria and Slovenia has a blend of cultures that date back to the rule by the Austro-Hungarian Empire before WWI. Germanic and Slavic influences continue through today in a region internationally considered one of the best for white wine. Friuli is well known for setting very high standards for quality and on average yields just 3.5 tons per acre—some of the lowest found in Italy. All of the vineyards are found in the southern part of the zone surrounded to the North by the Alps. A temperate microclimate results from air currents between the shelter of the mountains and the Adriatic Sea. However, there are 2 DOC zones considered exceptional to all others: Collio (Goriziano) and Collio Orientali. Most of the wines made are single varietal in nature, with all Collio wines required to be 100% of the named grape. Traditionally, it was thought the wines would not gain any benefit from wood aging and blending. But there have been a growing number of exceptions, as producers have recognized that the depth and complexity of wines already recognized to be quite rich and full bodied could be enhanced further with malolactic fermentation, oak aging and or blending. White wine is of such importance in Collio that only 1/5 of the wine produced is red. Friuli produces wines from widely recognized varieties such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Cabernet and Pinot Noir. However, there are also a number of lesser known varieties that provide wonderful alternatives-Tocai Friulano, Traminer Aromatico, Riesling, Ribolla Gialla, and Picolit for white, and Refosco, Pignolo, Schioppettino and Tazzelenghe for red. It should be noted that, while Friuli is well know for white wines, they account for just a little over half of the entire region’s production. Red wines, which have not been recognized on the nternational market, have now begun to create a stir in recent years as wineries traditionally awarded Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri for white wines are now receiving the top honor for the reds.

Bortoluzzi

The Bortoluzzi estate started off in 1982, although Giovanni Bortoluzzi’s winemaking vocation had begun long before. A mere 37 years old at the time, he was already at the peak of his career as consultant, bottler and ‘wine ambassador’ for a number of top growers in Friuli. Giovanni selected a few ideally placed vineyards on the gravelly, mineral-enriched deposit of the diverted Isonzo River. The terrain (presently covering a total of 173 acres, 86.5 of which under vine) included some of the most highly prized land in this privileged winemaking region.
The abundant minerals in the soil make for the grapes’ rich components and extract, and for the wines’ richness in fruity/floral nuances and varietal character. The vineyards are sheltered by mountains from the raw northern winds, allowing grapes to mature gently in the mild autumn sun. This superb terroir is doubly blessed in Giovanni himself, whose winemaking talent and in-depth knowledge of the region are second to none. Thanks to his additional experience in operating the area’s mobile bottling plant, Bortoluzzi can boast to knowing the lie of the land inch by inch, vine by vine… Not that Giovanni would ever boast, for his modesty, simplicity and simpatia are on a par with his brilliance.
“I recall my first harvest, when the children were still quite small,” says Giovanni with a smile. “There was a real sense of satisfaction in seeing that those vines, which had been cared for so painstakingly and so long, had rewarded my efforts.” As he speaks, you get the palpable sense that vines and children were all part of the family…
True enough, Giovanni has always maintained “the entire family should devote themselves to the winery. A quality product can only be created thanks to everyone’s combined efforts.” His wife Mireide and their three children have not disappointed him: Alessio is the sales manager, Alberto, an agronomist, the vineyard manager, and Angela deals with administration and accounting - all under the supervision of Giovanni himself, while Mireide’s discreet and graceful presence is everywhere vigilant and indispensable.
“Wine is not just any product: in it we find the passion, love and dedication of the people who crafted it,” is Giovanni’s conclusion.

Exposure, microclimate: Exposure to the sun is excellent, temperature range is good, the distinctive microclimate is especially favorable for great whites
Harvest time: From September 20th onwards
The two portions of the wine, the steel-fermented and oak-fermented, are blended in March and bottled around late April.

2007 Chardonnay, 88 points -Wine Spectator (Aug 2009)

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