Venezia Giulia Rosso IGT 'Lis Neris' 2016 (750 ml.) Lis Neris

THE WINE

The 'Lis Neris' from Lis Neris is the flagship red wine of the company. The Cuvées represent the peak of quality, born from an extreme selection and are the result of blending different varieties. The result is a unique wine, capable of expressing the balance between the grape varieties and the place of production. It stands out for its Bordeaux profile (Merlot 90-95% and Cabernet Sauvignon 5-10%) and for its character as a purebred from Friuli. A warm and rich wine, with refined tannins and an extremely long finish. The first vintage produced was in 1989, when the proportion of Cabernet was prioritized, but over the years Merlot has prevailed with its warmth and softness.

THE COMPANY

When the Isonzo River leaves the narrow channels that constrain it during its Slovenian course, here comes Gorizia, one of the most contested border cities in Europe. An enchanting landscape appears, dotted with small towns that have grown around a bell tower. The vineyards characterize the landscape and mark the rhythm of the days with their phases.
In this context, since 1879, four generations of my family have contributed with work and passion to the construction and growth of one of the most representative production realities in Eastern Friuli.

THE TERRITORY AND THE VINEYARDS

In the beginning there was the sea, which, in the tertiary period, covered a good part of the region and which, as it receded, brought to light the sedimentary rocks. Thus, the rocky substrate was formed.

The Isonzo valley was carved by the Quaternary glaciations, and the melting waters of the glaciers have shaped its current profile. In the following periods, thanks to the disintegrating action of atmospheric agents, a reddish clayey surface layer rich in iron oxides and other minerals originated. The underlying gravel mass promotes the distribution of water and oxygen, making the subsoil very hospitable for the development and activity of the roots.
This is how the soils of the Isonzo valley were formed.

Here, the vineyards of Lis Neris grow: more than 70 hectares of vines are planted between the Slovenian border to the north and the right bank of the Isonzo to the south. The surface pebbles, locally called claps, absorb heat during the day and release it at night, which favors the ripening of the grapes.
This is how powerful wines are born.

Finally, there is the Bora, dominant winds that come from the northeast capable of creating temperature excursions that slow down ripening, favoring the aromatic concentration of the grapes and the balancing of acids.
This is how elegant wines are born.