Region and Vineyards
Friuli Isonzo sits in Italy's far northeast, pressed between the Alps and the Adriatic. The DOC is divided by the Isonzo river into distinct zones; Rive Alte on the right bank is characterised by less-fertile red gravels with notable iron and aluminium oxides, producing some of the appellation's most expressive wines. Drainage is excellent, helping retain purity and tension in whites while supporting full phenolic ripeness.
Ciampagnis Vieris lies at 32 m in Mariano del Friuli, with north-south rows on gravel-pebbly soils interlayered with some clay. Vines (about 21 years of age for this release) are trained to simple Guyot/spur pruning at 6,200-7,800 vines/ha. The 2022 harvest was manual across three picks (12, 27, 28 September), underscoring the estate's focus on optimal maturity. The combination of heat-retentive stones, alluvial origins and cool night air gives Chardonnay a ripe core wrapped in freshness and a distinctly mineral close.
Winemaking
Ciampagnis Vieris is 100% Chardonnay from a single source vineyard. Grapes undergo a cold pre-fermentation maceration at 8 °C for 20 hours, building aromatic intensity and early palate texture while preserving delicacy. Primary fermentation occurs in stainless steel over 22 days at 16-19 °C, a regimen designed to capture citrus-and-apple purity without oak imprint.
Ageing continues sur lie for 9 months in stainless steel, followed by 8 months in bottle before release. This extended lees contact contributes fine creaminess and mid-palate weight while maintaining a clean, saline frame. The finished wine typically sits around 14% vol. with brisk total acidity, yielding a medium-to-full body that remains chiselled and gastronomic. No oak is used, so site and grape take centre stage.
Tasting Notes
- Color: Bright straw yellow with youthful luminosity.
- Aroma: Juicy citrus, green and yellow apple, hints of crystallised honey and lemon meringue; subtle stone-dust minerality lifts the finish.
- Palate: Medium to full-bodied yet taut; ripe orchard fruit and citrus glide over a creamy, lees-derived core, finishing mineral, savoury and persistent.
Did you know?
"Ciampagnis" means "properties" in the Friulano dialect, recalling Habsburg state lands granted to rural families in Mariano del Friuli in the 18th century—a nod to the area's layered history that this cuvée honors on its label.
Wine Pairing Ideas
- Butter-poached turbot with lemon beurre blanc: The wine's citrus drive and subtle creaminess mirror the sauce while the mineral finish refreshes.
- Herb-roasted chicken with fennel and olives: Savory depth and saline cut knit with roasted herbs and aniseed notes.
- Risotto al limone with mascarpone: Lees texture echoes the risotto's silk; bright acidity lifts richness.
- Pork schnitzel with caper-parsley salad: Crisp coating and tangy garnish play to the Chardonnay's apple, citrus and savory edge.
