11/23/2024
Despite its often mispronounced name, perhaps no other estate embodies “artisanal” as best as . The ambiance is steeped heavily in “vigneron”, honing in on a philosophy that seeks to valorize the various shades of each individual vineyard, capable of crafting different expressions despite their often close proximity. The wines are pure renderings of nature with as little impact from man as possible. Sauvignon is the darling at Gnemiz, and the vineyard parcels are each vinified separately, considered and handled like authentic crus. 💫 Owned and managed by Serena Palazzolo and her sons, with the support of her husband - winemaker Christian Patat - Ronco del Gnemiz and its ten hectares sit atop the hill of Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali region of Friuli near Udine. In this area, history is rich: the Abbazia di Rosazzo dates back to 1200, where there are records of winemaking from the year 1000 by Augustinian monks. It has always represented the world’s point of connection between Occidente e Oriente, or the East and the West. The Palazzolo family bought the Rocco del Gnemiz estate in the 1960s, but it was Serena who brought it to life in the ‘90s using an organic approach destined for quality. The philosophy at Gnemiz embodies total respect for the land and local heritage, avoiding chemicals at all cost and cultivating both local varieties like Friulano and international ones like Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Merlot, which have long had a place in Friulian winemaking. The focus is on varietal, single-vineyard expressions which, when in the hands of experienced oenologist, Christian Patat, result in beautiful wines with remarkable integrity. 💫 The slopes of Rosazzo in the hilly Colli Orientali boast an exceptional exposure to light and the sun’s rays, protected from harsh winters by the Alps. Cool, dry winds from the nearby Adriatic tend to lend a slightly salty, sea brine to the wines. The 16.5 hectares of vineyards at Gnemiz lie on Friuli’s signature ‘Ponca’ soils that alternate from marl to sandstone.
