Gambero Rosso 2010

"The Sottomonte Estate has belonged to the d'Attimis-Maniago family for almost 500 years and is now managed by Alberto. It covers 110 hectares, almost all of which are planted with wines. It is important to stress that over 70% of existing vines are made up of local biotypes, i.e. of those vines that have best adapted to the local microclimate over the years. This is an unfashionable choice that lengthens production times, but allows the typical nature of the vines to be maintained to the full. Ross Vignariccio '05 is our favourite this year. This is a wine that attracts attention for the concentration and intensity of its colour and offers a nose with opulent notes of red fruit jam and liquorice with undertones of roasted coffee. This opulence dissolves in the mouth, linear and drawn-out, favoured by a balance achieved with soft tannins. In the Pignolo '05, however, these tannins lay down the law and project it into the future. The Bianco Ronco Broilo '05, a blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Bianco, matured in Slavonian oak barrels and Allier barriques has golden notes and a complex and delicately spicy bouquet. It is supported by a high alcohol content and is extremely flavourful."

Gambero Rosso 2009

This historic estate covers almost 110 hectares, almost all dedicated to vineyards, on the hills of Buttrio and, based on the expert intuition of its owner, Alberto D'Attimis-Maniago, over the years it has mainly concentrated on the production of the most important indigenous vines of Friuli. A great deal of attention has recently been focused on indigenous varieties, but here the choice was made at an unusual time and was not based on trends. Now the estate is reaping the benefits of this orientation of production. The confirmation, once again this year, of the excellence of a rare vine like tazzelenghe means that there is also work of extremely high quality behind it. Vines planted in 1990 have produced Tazzelenghe 2004, which is a creamy, spicy wine with recognisable notes of pepper and milk chocolate, blackberry tart and hay, with none of the tartness of its vine of origin. Other traditional wines, like the classic Malvasia, have also performed excellently, with its notes of petits fours and dried flowers; Schioppetino, with its recognisable sensations of blackcurrant and cinnamon and the fresh and floral Ribolla Gialla. However, the estate does not only focus on indigenous vines, as the extremely high performance of its Chardonnay 2007 shows, with its elegant balsamic and mineral notes, followed by a particularly fine and clear development.

Gambero Rosso 2008

Tracing back the history of this winemaker means examining an important slice of Friulian grape farming and winemaking history. The story starts in 1585, when the current Buttrio-based company was inherited following a marriage between aristocratic families and continues through to the 18th century, during which evidence shows that important wines were produced and on to 1930, when modern winemaking started using hand-made, pioneering bottles. This hefty history however, has not slowed the dynamic nature of this winemaker that this year boasts two points of excellence in its production: conventional Malvasia and Tazzelenghe, which reach the final for the three glasses award, The first is popular for the complexity of its hints of apricot, peach, cream and tobacco and for its fullness of flavour. Tazzelenghe, a rugged Friulian grape, distinguishes itself for its inviting, gentle notes of blackberry tart, milk chocolate and distilled cherries. There is a pleasant contrast between the green and fruity notes of the Sauvignon, whereas Tore delle Signore is fresh and unsickly and Rosso Vignaricco is earthy and spicy.

Gambero Rosso 2007

Alberto D'Attimis-Maniago runs with great dynamism this historical estate situated on Buttrio?s hills. Hardly satisfied with the remarkable, solid results obtained in the last few years, he is always keen on looking for new solutions and new initiatives. Many vineyards were also reimplanted lately, turning with determination to autochthonous vines. Among the novelties tasted in 2006 we were quite impressed by a pleasant Spumante Charmat, with a Ribolla Gialla base, and a successful red from an historical Friuli vine ("Pignolo"). Another surprise for this producer, and the whole Friuli wine world, was our competition finals featuring the 2002 Tazzelenghe, an autochthonous vine quite difficult to make out. Turning now to tastings, we can certainly say that, if Pignolo still needs some work, especially as tasting is concerned, Ribula Brut hit the target straight away both for fragrance and fullness, making this a particularly pleasant Spumante. The excellent vinification technique and the right ageing have softened Tazzelunghe's sharp notes, enhancing its fruity hints, well blended with the wood balsamic memory; in the mouth the wine is rich, warm and fat. Well crafted are also the other Two Glasses rated wines, with a confirmation for Malvasia, Refosco and the Tore delle Signore Verduzzo. Preciously scented the Sauvignon, with long lasting sensations of tropical fruit salad.