Vistorta is a historical village situated in the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, in the northeastern part of Italy, where the Brandolini family has lived for more than 600 years. It is here at Vistorta that the grapes are grown for the wines of Conte Brandolini. The farm or “azienda agricola”, was created in 1872 with a long term vision of modernity from Count Guido Brandolini. He was one of the first to plant Merlot in the area after the phylloxera plague. They were also producing corn and wheat and breeding silkworms, and slling the products at local markets. In 2005, the Vistorta project converts to organic farming. The entire farm, which has some 220 hectares, became certified organic in 2008. 2009 was the first certified organic wine vintage. In the vineyards, Vistorta uses only sulfur and copper, fertilizing with green manure and compost.
The work in the winery focuses on the natural development of the best characteristics of higher quality grapes, with the help of certified products and selected autochthonous yeasts. In the remaining areas of the farm, Vistorta follows an attentive schedule based on cover crop rotation, to always enrich soils (such as vetch, white mustard and clover in customized mixtures). Covering 37 hectares, Merlot is Vistorta’s heritage and passion. It covers 14 different small parcels with N/S sun exposition and 45msl. The oldest vineyard, called Ridiel, was planted in 1918. Winemaking at Vistorta is performed with relatively simple, minimalist oenological facilities that allows the whole process to flow harmoniously, from harvest to bottling. In the winery, three rooms contain vitrified concrete vats that are used throughout the different winemaking stages of both whites and reds. These different sized vats allow for flexibility, custom tailoring the wines from every vineyard. In the barrel bottle room, the prestigious Vistorta reds are aged, frequently using French oak barriques and big barrels. This creates long lasting and wonderful vintages of both red and white wines.
Pinot Grigio from Friuli Grave DOC is a refined and expressive white wine grown on sandy, gravelly soils in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Fermented partly by oxygenation and reduction, it ages sur lie in cement tanks, gaining texture and depth. Aromas of acacia, rose, melon and white peach lead to a fresh, sapid palate with pear and apple notes and a subtle saline finish. Elegant, balanced and vibrant.
Vistorta Pinot Grigio Ramato is produced from a new vineyard planted with six selected Pinot Grigio clones to enhance complexity. A short pre-fermentation maceration gives the wine its distinctive coppery hue, recalling the original Ramato style of Friuli. Aged on fine lees in concrete vats, it shows aromas of wild strawberries and apple, with a delicate tannic touch that adds structure and depth.
Friulano is an organic white wine from Friuli Grave, made from 100% Tocai Friulano grapes grown on sandy-gravel soils. Harvested in mid-September, the grapes are gently pressed and fermented at low temperature, then aged on fine lees in cement tanks for six months. The bouquet offers almond, wild flowers, peach and pear, while the palate is dry, fresh and velvety, with a distinctive bitter almond finish that defines its character.
Vistorta Stomo Merlot is an organic expression of Friuli Grave, crafted from 100% Merlot grown on clay-calcareous soils. Selected grapes undergo pre-fermentative cryomaceration and ferment in concrete vats to preserve freshness and fruit purity. Part of the wine ages in concrete, while the rest rests in third-passage French oak barriques. The result is a fresh, vibrant Merlot with aromas of wild red berries, cherry and subtle spice, offering lively tannins, balance and an elegant, fruit-driven finish.
Merlot Vistorta is a pure expression of Friuli terroir, crafted from organically farmed vineyards rooted in clay-limestone soils. Harvested at the end of September, it is vinified through a blend of traditional and micro-vinification methods, including concrete, ceramic and French oak ageing. The result is a refined, layered Merlot with depth, balance and elegant structure, bottled unfiltered to preserve its authenticity.
Conte Brandolini Organic Prosecco Brut is produced in Friuli Venezia Giulia from 100% Glera grapes grown under certified organic practices. Hand harvested and gently pressed, it undergoes fermentation in stainless steel followed by refermentation in autoclave using the Charmat method. Bright straw yellow with fine, persistent bubbles, it offers aromas of green apple, acacia and jasmine, with a fresh, savory and lively palate. Perfect as an aperitif or with light dishes.
