About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The fruit comes from the “Vines” vineyard on the hills near the Villa Russiz residence. The site faces south and has marl soils, with 4,500–5,000 vines per hectare. The local microclimate is influenced by warm air from the nearby Adriatic and cool air from the Alps, which meet on the slopes of Capriva del Friuli.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested during the last ten days of September and gently pressed in a pneumatic press. Fermentation takes place in large vats under controlled temperature.
Ageing
The wine remains on its lees for at least eight months.
Label / history
Annual production is approximately 15,400 bottles. The estate’s history began in 1869, when the French Count Theodore de La Tour settled in the hills with his wife and pursued viticulture using modern winemaking methods already employed in France. He planted new grape varieties suited to the local microclimate and built a fully underground cellar with high vaulted ceilings.
After his death in 1894, Elvin Ritter von Zahon devoted herself to the care of orphans. An orphanage and an institute were established in one of the estate buildings; the institute was legally recognized and continues to operate. Under her will, Villa Russiz became a charitable, non-profit organization. The estate now covers around 94 hectares, including 40 hectares of vineyards.
