Nestled in the rolling hills of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy is where you will find Attems, a pillar of grape growing in the Collio region with a rich, viticultural history that is recorded all the way back to 1106 with a documented land purchase for planting vines. The 44 hectares that make up the estate today produce wines that are reflective of its gorgeous landscape and ideal weather conditions that are perfectly suited to the aromatic, fresh wine styles of the Attems portfolio.

Attems was taken under new ownership in 2000 by the highly acclaimed Frescobaldi family and has since only strengthened its distinct characteristics of terroir in their wines through continuous research and biodynamic vineyard practices. Recently, Attems has utilized the use of cover crops to act as a natural fertilizer to the otherwise low-nutrient soils. The unique soils of the Attems vineyards are categorized by three areas:

• The Isonzo area that’s comprised of sand, silt, and gravel soil that’s quite warm. This is where Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are grown.

• Flat land in the center of the property between Collio and Isonzo called “manine” that consists well-drained, loamy soils suited for Pinot Grigio and Ribolla Gialla.

• “Ponca”, a marine origin soil made up of sandstone and marl that originated millions of years ago. This land on the Cicinis hill is strictly for their flagship wine made with Sauvignon Blanc. It’s within the Collio D.O.C. which is marked for its’ fossil soils, and this is Attems’ highest and coolest vineyards.

Beyond soil composition, the other two primary factors that impact estate vines are the high diurnal range, retaining freshness and aromatics in the grapes, and refractive sunlight from the Adriatic coast found within 15km of the vineyards that especially aids in late summer ripening.

“Personally, my favourite is our Sauvignon Blanc,” Vuerich explains, “it best expresses the quality of the territory, and has the most perfect balance of aromas and flavours.”

There are two single varietal Sauvignon Blanc from the Attems portfolio, both quite stylistically different from one another. Both reveal lovely structure, with mineral and salty qualities and slightly restrained acids, but unique aromatic and flavour expressions of the grape. A side-by-side tasting of the two is a thrilling endeavor for wine enthusiasts, and with more Attems wines hitting LCBO shelves and Ontario restaurants, a portfolio exploration is highly recommended!