A wine truly embodies the soul of its winemaker and you can experience this when you taste Zorzettig wines.
Annalisa Zorzettig is a woman who loves her land and knows how to convey its story with both emphasis and elegance. I meet Annalisa on a warm June day in Verona for lunch, the air thick with humidity after a summer thunderstorm. A warm, friendly smile framed by long blonde hair greets me at Ristorante Darì. (https://www.ristorantedari.com/)
Annalisa Zorzettig and her winery
The lunch begins with Annalisa sharing the story of her winery, founded in 1874 in Cividale, in Friuli Venezia Giulia.
Since 2006, Annalisa Zorzettig has managed the winery by herself, following in the footsteps of her father, Giuseppe Zorzettig.
The winery Zorzettig is a standard-bearer for native Friulian grape varieties, with a few hidden gems like Pignolo, Schioppettino, and Picolit. Of the 800,000 bottles produced from the 120 hectares of vineyards, 45% are destined for foreign markets, primarily Germany and the United States.
In Annalisa’s story, a deep respect for the environment immediately emerges. She proudly emphasizes the SQNPI certification obtained in 2016, marking a complete abandonment of the use of chemical herbicides.
Sustainability according to Annalisa Zorzettig
Annalisa believes in respecting and preserving the ecosystem, but she truly aims for a balance that fosters the prosperity of everyone living within it.
Annalisa Zorzettig views sustainability as crucial not just for protecting the environment but also for supporting the community. She believes that sustainability goes beyond environmental concerns and plays a significant role in fostering a balanced and thriving community.
Just as there is an ecosystem in nature and in the world, so too does one exist in her company. This includes all the workers who contribute to the winery and all those who see themselves as “guardians of Friulian lands and traditions.”
A journey through Friulian Vineyards
Myò Line “Pinot Bianco “ – Friuli Colli Orientali Doc 2021
Pinot Bianco is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated grape varieties. Zorzettig captures all the elegance and aristocratic character of this grape in this wine.
After 12 months of ageing on the fine lees (50% in stainless steel and 50% in oak barrels made of oak and acacia), the result is a captivating wine: gentle, never overpowering, delicate, and very fresh.
Am I biased? Yes, I love Pinot Bianco, and this one is truly worth tasting. I am not usually fond of the use of barrel, but here the winemaker used it sparingly and with great skill: never intrusive, and always in service of the wine and its intrinsic qualities, with the sole aim of enhancing its character.
Myò Line “Malvasia – Colli orientali del Friuli Doc 2021
The vineyard from which this wine comes was planted in 1936, with vines ranging from 30 to 90 years old.
The aim of this wine from Zorzettig was to highlight the estate’s oldest vines. With every sip, the Malvasia reveals itself more deeply: at first, its immediacy and fresh drinkability, and then, as you continue, its depth unfolds.
Enjoy this wine slowly and savor its flavors.
Myò Line “I Fiori di Leonie” – Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2020
Although I could tell you about this wine by listing the awards it has won, that would not do justice to the soul of this product.
Annalisa named it after her granddaughter, Leonie.
Annalisa speaks of it with a mix of sweetness, determination, and great pride.
This is a blend of Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, and Friulano:
“It is a wine that speaks strongly of Friuli, because it comes from three white varieties that express themselves well in our territory: Sauvignon, which brings its aromatic profile; Pinot Bianco, with its elegance; and Friulano, the past, present, and future of our family, like Leonie.”
All grapes are handpicked from vineyards with soils composed of clay and ponca.
What is Ponca?
Ponca consists of a unique combination of marl and sandstone. This geological formation occurs in the area of Friuli, Slovenia, and Istria.
More info about Zorzettig? Visit https://www.zorzettigvini.it/