About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The grapes come from 50-year-old vines at Tenuta Sant’Elena in Collio, near the Slovenian border. The vineyards are planted on gently sloping terraces at 400 m above sea level, in fertile soils of Eocene marl and sandstone.
The site has a mild climate shaped by the Alps and the Adriatic Sea. The Alpine peaks protect the area from harsh cold winds, while the sea moderates summer heat and sharp winter temperature fluctuations. Sea breezes move north towards the hills at dawn and return south towards the coast in the evening, helping to limit fungal disease and maintain vine health. Rainfall is generally heavy but brief, and abundant sunshine supports the ripening of juicy, aromatic grapes.
Grapes
The cuvée is made from selected grapes.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested by hand. After a short maceration, fermentation takes place at a controlled temperature not exceeding 17 °C. Part of the wine ferments in French oak barrels and tonneaux, with stainless-steel tanks also used.
Ageing
The wine is matured partly in French oak barrels and tonneaux and partly in stainless-steel tanks. The final blend is assembled in late spring, followed by at least six months in bottle.
Tasting profile
Elegant, with a distinctive expression of its terroir.
Vintage notes
Spring and summer 2020 brought favourable conditions. Several particularly hot periods in August did not affect the healthy yield, and the harvest began in early September. The white wines of the vintage developed complex varietal character and the bright personality associated with warm years. Rain during the final stage of harvest resulted in a lighter structure.
Label / history
Mario Fantinel previously ran several hotels and restaurants before founding the Fantinel family business in Friuli.
