Biography
Vistorta has been the property of the Brandolini d’Adda counts since 1781, and is currently directed by Brandino Brandolini d’Adda. After graduating with a degree in agronomy from Texas A&M University and after a previous experience in the world of wine in another family property, he decided to transform the estate, taking France as an example and concentrating on one major red wine. With the assistance of oenologist Georges Pauli, at the end of the 1980’s new varieties were planted alongside others already present on the estate in order to achieve high level grapes: it was no accident that the choice fell on Merlot, originally from Bordeaux but utilized in Friuli for over a century, a variety perfectly adapted to the terroir of Vistorta and its calcareous clay soils. The introduction of new French clones, the selection of local clones, and the choice of rootstock of various kinds of vigor have created vineyards with an ample and varied varietal character. In order to compare Merlot with other grape varieties Carmenère, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Refosco have also been planted. Current vineyard extension is 80 acres, and 87% is Merlot. The sub-division into small parcels gives the estate the possibility to obtain homogeneous lots of grapes which are, at the same time, very different from one another. The objective has been to plant densely, 4000-5000 vines per hectare, in order to produce small quantities of grapes per vine. Cultivation techniques are very rigorous: after a spur pruning which leaves no more than one bud, the finest shoots are selected after budding to aid the development of the canopy. After flowering the excess bunches are thinned and, after the color change in August, the finest bunches are identified and the leaves around them removed to throw more sunlight on the grapes. These operations allow ripe, healthy, and homogenous grapes to be harvested at the end of September, before the autumn rains. The top wine of the estate is unquestionably Vistorta, the Merlot, a fascinating wine, produced from 18 different parcels with different clonal selections, fermented separately and only blended at the end. The decision to not filter the wine and, in particular, a judicious use of oak, gives Vistorta a special elegance and longevity. The wine is a brilliant, inviting ruby red with an ample and elegant bouquet of berry fruit, toasted oak, and coffee. Full on the palate, its flavors are warm, supple, and persistent.