I Clivi A Tessa Venezia Giulia 2021 750ml

From I Clivi's biodynamically farmed vineyards comes this exceptional cuvée that represents the estate's highest expression of Friulian winemaking. 'A Tessa' is dedicated to the memory of a beloved family member, and this personal connection shows in every aspect of this meticulously crafted wine. The 2021 vintage showcases a blend of indigenous Friulian varieties from the estate's oldest vines, creating a white wine of extraordinary depth, complexity, and emotional resonance.

The wine displays a deep golden color, reflecting extended skin contact and patient élevage. The nose is profoundly complex, offering waves of aromatic intensity that shift and evolve constantly. Ripe stone fruits—apricot, peach, and quince—mingle with notes of orange peel, wild herbs, and acacia honey. As the wine opens, more exotic elements emerge: saffron, white tea, candied ginger, and a distinctive mineral quality that speaks to the Collio's famous ponca soils. There's an almost ethereal quality to the aromatics.

On the palate, 'A Tessa' delivers a masterful combination of power and grace. The texture is rich and almost viscous, with the weight and concentration of a great white Burgundy but with distinctly Friulian character. Extended skin contact provides structure and complexity without excessive tannins, while native yeast fermentation and long aging on lees add layers of flavor and texture. Notes of dried apricot, honey, and citrus peel are balanced by savory elements of herbs, salt, and a profound mineral core.

What makes this wine extraordinary is its perfect synthesis of tradition and innovation. I Clivi's approach combines ancient Friulian winemaking techniques—skin contact, natural fermentation, minimal intervention—with a modern understanding of precision and balance. The result is a wine that honors the past while pointing toward the future of serious white winemaking. This is not merely wine but a liquid meditation on terroir, tradition, and the emotional connections that elevate craft to art.

The finish is seemingly endless, with waves of fruit, spice, and mineral notes that continue to reveal new dimensions over minutes. This is a wine that demands time and attention, best enjoyed over the course of an evening as it continues to evolve. It pairs magnificently with rich dishes—foie gras, aged cheeses, truffle preparations—but is equally stunning on its own. For those seeking white wines of the highest caliber, 'A Tessa' stands as one of Italy's finest—a wine that transcends category to offer a truly transcendent drinking experience.