Friuli Isonzo DOC Chardonnay 'Jurosa' 2021 (750 ml.) Lis Neris

THE WINE

'Jurosa' by Lis Neris is a pure Chardonnay. Organic cultivation and slow maturation on vines over 30 years old, manual harvesting with careful selection of the bunches, and fermentation in 500-liter French oak barrels. It matures for 11 months with frequent bâtonnage. Aging in the bottle for at least 12 months. The long aging on the yeast leads to a higher degree of complexity, which enhances the grape variety and its terroir. A superior vintage for fruity fragrance and crisp sapidity. It pairs well with all fish-based preparations from warm appetizers, to first courses, and even steamed or stewed main courses; it is also worth trying with cheeses and white meats.

THE COMPANY

When the Isonzo River leaves the narrow channels that confine it during its Slovenian course, here is 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 of Eastern Friuli.

THE TERRITORY AND THE VINEYARDS

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

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

Here grow the vineyards of Lis Neris: 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 promotes the ripening of the grapes.
This is how powerful wines are born.

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