About this wine
Vineyard and terroir
The vineyards lie mainly on a southeast-facing hilltop overlooking the estate, on soils composed entirely of marl. The local microclimate is shaped by warm air from the nearby Adriatic and cool air from the Alps meeting on the slopes of Capriva del Friuli. Across the estate, planting density ranges from 4,500 to 7,000 vines per hectare to encourage concentration.
Vinification
The grapes are harvested in mid-September and gently pressed in a pneumatic press.
Ageing
The wine rests on its lees for 10 months, followed by one month in the estate’s cellars after bottling.
Tasting profile
Elegant.
Label / history
The estate was founded in 1869 by the French Count Theodore de La Tour, who settled in Collio with his wife and introduced grape varieties suited to the local microclimate, along with modern French winemaking methods. He also built a high-vaulted cellar entirely underground. After his death in 1894, Elvin Ritter von Zahon established a children’s home and institute in one of the estate buildings. Under her will, Villa Russiz became a charitable, not-for-profit organization; the institute continues to operate today.
The estate now covers about 94 hectares, including 40 hectares of vineyards. Sauvignon de La Tour is one of three wines created in honour of the founder. Annual production is approximately 15,000 bottles.
