Ferdinando Zanusso lived and worked in Africa for forty years, before returning to Italy and his wife’s hometown. Here in Corno di Rosazzo, Gramogliano, he founded I Clivi in the mid-1990s. Shortly after its founding, his son Mario joined him in the winery where he continues to oversee all aspects of the vineyards and winemaking. Ferdinando and Mario share a vision to showcase Friuli’s prized terroir and unique, singular expressions of Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Cabernet Franc, and Schioppettino.
In the Friulian regions of Colli Orientali and Collio, I Clivi works with vines in excess of eighty years from impossibly steep vineyards. Organic farming and manual harvests coupled with low yields, produce grapes of intense flavor and character. Friuli’s famed clay soils (Ponca in local dialect) add the rich texture, minerality, and bright acidity that is characteristic of the best-made wines in this northeastern Italian region.
Mario’s winemaking style begins in the vineyards, first supporting the growth of healthy, mature fruit. In the winery, grapes are softly pressed so as to not over extract, and a combination of stainless steel and concrete vats are used for the élevage. I Clivi’s wines are exceptionally elegant and polished, clear expressions of their striking terroir.
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