Attems

Friuli, Italy

Attems is one of Friuli’s most historic producers, with a winemaking heritage dating back nearly a millennium. Count Douglas Attems, who led his family’s estate for the second half of the 20th Century, also founded the important Consorzio dei Vini del Collio in 1964, helping the region achieve DOC recognition. In 2000, he sold the estate to the  Marchese Vittorio Frescobaldi, whom he had gotten to know during their years as students at the University of Florence. The cellars are based in Capriva del Friuli, and the vineyards in the neighboring Lucinico district. Altogether their holdings consist of 104 acres of south-facing terraced slopes on the Collio hillsides, as well as plateaus in the Isonzo area. Most of it is planted to white varieties – in particular Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Ribolla Gialla – grown on micro vineyard blocks, according to soil composition and microclimate.

The estate is surrounded by nature that is rich in biodiversity, an important factor in the cultivation of grape vines.  A few years ago the use of green manure was introduced, consisting of cover crops that are incorporated into the ground to preserve fertility of the soil. The three distinctive features of the microclimate of this territory are the soils, the temperature fluctuations, and the sunlight.

The diversity of these three types of soil is a valuable asset. The Isonzo section features floodplains with a sand, silt, and gravel soil. It tends to be warmer and wetter than other areas of the estate. This, combined with its gentle winds, creates an ideal combination for the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc grapes that are harvested earlier in the season to enhance the freshness and fruitiness of the wines.

The middle area of the property, known as “manine,” or “little hands,” is a primarily flat area set between Collio and Isonzo, characterized by loamy soils with good drainage. The varieties planted there are Pinot Grigio and Ribolla Gialla, characterized by their refined elegance.

The highest, coolest, and windiest part of the estate is in Collio. It takes its name “ponca” from a particular sandstone soil with alternating layers of marl, the composition of which originated millions of years ago. An ideal soil for viticulture, it affects the aromatic characteristics of the grapes and the flavor of the resulting wine. The grapes grown in this vineyard section are Sauvignon Blanc, Friulano, and Picolit. The Cicinis hill is dedicated to the Sauvignon Blanc variety and harvested at two different times, first in the lower parts and then in the higher areas.

The Friuli region and its winegrowing areas are unique and expressive, and the local territory shines through in all of the Attems wines.

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Wines

Cicinis

The Cicinis Sauvignon Blanc is an utterly distinctive expression of Sauvignon Blanc. From a single vineyard in the Collio area, the tremendous density and aromatics are joined by a deep and complex texture due to the aging in oak barrels and cement eggs. Truly the Attems flagship.

Sauvignon Blanc

Attems Sauvignon Blanc, like others from the region, remains a hidden treasure. The wines can be compared in fruit ripeness to Sancerre, with a more intense bouquet as well as a lusher weight and texture. Attems shows how the value of quality-driven, artisanal producers can be extraordinary.

Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosé

Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato continues a traditional way of producing Pinot Grigio in the province of Venice. The term ramato, or "coppery", was used to describe the pink hue of the wine due to the slight contact with the purple skins before pressing and fermenting. This rosé boasts a rich, fruity bouquet, and opens full on the palate, with multi-faceted flavors.

Pinot Grigio

The Attems Pinot Grigio demonstrates all of the amazing qualities of the Collio region in Friuli Venezia-Giulia: it has superb weight and texture, and is mineral-edged, savory, tangy, and lively.

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Reviews

    Attems Sauvignon Blanc 2019 (91 JS)

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    "A medium-bodied dry white with sliced pears and green apples, as well as some green-peach flavors and hints of fresh herbs. Flavorful finish. Drink now. "

    Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosé 2019 (92 JS)

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    "More like a light, dry rosé with sliced-strawberry and lemon aromas and flavors. It’s medium-bodied with a pretty core of fruit and sliced-apple flavor. Stone and spice, too. Dry finish. Drink now."

    Attems Pinot Grigio 2019 (91 JS)

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    "A pinot grigio with sliced-pear, flint and green-melon aromas that follow through to a medium to full body, pretty fruit and a flavorful finish. Light bitter-lemon aftertaste adds interest. Drink now."

People

Lamberto Frescobaldi

Lamberto Frescobaldi represents the 30th generation of the renowned winegrowing family. His life’s work has been the revitalization of the family’s notable portfolio of agricultural estates.

Lamberto showed an obvious enthusiasm for agriculture even in his childhood, and in 1987, after earning his degree in Crop Sciences at the University of Florence, he took up advanced studies in Viticulture at the University of California at Davis.

His official duties in the family business commenced in 1989, and in 1995, with the establishment of the Luce winery in Montalcino, he shared winemaking responsibilities and direction with Tim Mondavi. In 2000, he was named Managing Director of Attems, one of Friuli's leading producers of white wine, which the family had acquired.

In 2005, he assumed the position of Managing Director of the Castelgiocondo winery in Montalcino, a prestigious producer of Brunello, and soon after became President of both Tenuta Castelgiocondo and Luce.

Since February 2002, he has served as President of the Società Vigneti di Nugola S.r.l., an innovative wine estate on the Tuscan coast, a joint venture between the Marchi and Frescobaldi families. Currently, he is President of the Frescobaldi Group.

Trade Materials

Attems Sauvignon Blanc 2019 Tech Sheet

Spec Sheet | PDF

Attems is one of Friuli’s most historic producers, with a winemaking heritage dating back nearly a millennium. Count Douglas Attems, who led his family’s estate for the second half of…

Attems Pinot Grigio 2019 Tech Sheet

Spec Sheet | PDF

Attems is one of Friuli’s most historic producers, with a winemaking heritage dating back nearly a millennium. Count Douglas Attems, who led his family’s estate for the second half of…

Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato Rosé 2019 Tech Sheet

Spec Sheet | PDF

Attems is one of Friuli’s most historic producers, with a winemaking heritage dating back nearly a millennium. Count Douglas Attems, who led his family’s estate for the second half of…

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