Aquila del Torre, Italy
The estate was originally established in the early 1900s as a mixed-use farm. It wasn't until the 1970s that the focus shifted towards wine production and bottling. However, the estate was eventually abandoned, and in 1996, the Ciani family undertook an ambitious restoration project to revive its historic vineyards.
The first step in the recovery was to rehabilitate the viable vineyards, many of which had been overtaken by encroaching forest or impacted by landslides, a common issue given the steep terrain. The key varieties that were restored included Tocai Friulano, Picolit, and Verduzzo Friulano. These vineyards, dating back to the late 1960s, were primarily planted with mixed vines, where Picolit benefits from the pollen produced in during the flowering of other varieties. The total area of these vineyards spans approximately 2 hectares, spread across two slopes within the Aquila del Torre estate. Despite being registered as pre-1975 plantings, local farmers confirm that they were established in the late 1960s.
In 1998, the historic Tocai Friulano, Picolit, and Verduzzo Friulano vineyards underwent a transformation in their training systems. The traditional "Casarsa" cordon was converted to a bilateral Guyot system, preserving the original rootstocks. From these, the suckers were selected and trained into the main vine structure, with two spurs and two fruiting canes identified during winter pruning.
In addition to these historic plots, newer plantings have been added. A small Sauvignon Blanc vineyard was established in 1992, while the majority of new plantings occurred between 1999 and 2003, with the most recent additions in 2011. Today, the total vineyard area covers 18 hectares, with an annual production of 60,000 bottles.
The region surrounding the estate, Savorgnano del Torre, is currently undergoing a revitalization, marked by the recognition of the "Savorgnano" subzone. In collaboration with the Consorzio di Tutela Friuli Colli Orientali, an application has been submitted to the Ministry of Agriculture to formally recognize "Savorgnano Bianco," a dry white wine crafted from Tocai Friulano and Picolit grapes grown exclusively in the Savorgnano del Torre area.
To preserve the genetic heritage of these historical vineyards, Aquila del Torre estate has performed a massal selection from one of the mixed Tocai Friulano and Picolit vineyards. With the help of a specialized nursery, they produced rooted cuttings, which will be planted in a new half-hectare vineyard next year. This effort ensures the continuation of the estate's most esteemed historical vineyards, supporting the production of "Savorgnano Bianco."
At present, the wines from these older vineyards are vinified separately before being blended with wines from the newer plantings. By participating in initiatives like the OVC (Old Vine Conference), our aim is to further highlight the distinct characteristics of these historic vineyards.
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