SCEMEN
2022 | Venezia Giulia IGT Sauvignon
Category: white, dry
Grapes: Sauvignon
Location: Farra d’Isonzo
Viticultural area: Isonzo
VINEYARD
Soil profile: shallow soils, with abundant pebble and gravel
Training method: guyot
Vine density: 5.800 vines /ha
Planting age: 22 years
Harvest period: first half of September
VINIFICATION
De-stemming-crushing
Pre-fermentation cold maceration: 8°-10° C
Pre-fermentation cold settling
Fermentation: 18°-22° C
Yeast: selected
Malolactic fermentation: not made
Maturation: 9 months on the lees
Clarification: gravity settling
Bottling: 28th June 2023
Bottle-agening: 7 months
TECHNICAL DATA
Alcohol: 13,50% vol
Total acidity: 5,56 g/l
pH: 3,14
Estimated peak of maturation: 5 years
Estimated cellar life: 15 years
2022 witnessed notable shifts in weather patterns. The year began with temperature inversions and a prolonged dry period with below-average rainfall. Budding commenced around 10th April and flowering was earlier than usual, with the first blossoms already open by 19th May. Spring experienced minimal rainfall, a trend that continued through the warm, dry summer months, leading to drought in certain areas. Irrigation became necessary, especially in the plains, but nevertheless, the grapevine cycle proceeded normally, with veraison of the pinot grigio around 11th July. August and, notably September, saw rain which contributed to excellent ripening. The final quarter of the year remained dry, with minimal water supply. Grape quality was excellent, with above average sugar accumulation, and total acidity and pH in line with historical precedents. The wines present a round, intricate profile in their early years, with excellent ageing potential, particularly in the case of Merlot.
Vintages
2023
2023 will be remembered as an unpredictable yet promising vintage, characterized by wines of great interest due to the balance between freshness and aromatic potential. An alternation of warm and rainy periods challenged vineyard management, but the careful attention given to the vines allowed their characteristics to be fully expressed. Unlike 2022, which was defined by a hot and dry climate that promoted uniform ripening, 2023 experienced significant meteorological events that influenced the vine’s vegetative cycle without compromising quality.
Winter recorded above-average temperatures, with a mild January and average precipitation. In contrast, February saw a drastic reduction in rainfall and slightly lower temperatures compared to the past decade, slowing the vine’s vegetative awakening. During spring, cool and warm phases alternated, accelerating the phenological cycle and leading to a rapid, uniform flowering by the end of May.
Summer was marked by variable conditions: while the season appeared very similar to previous ones until June, July brought abundant rainfall and violent storms, with hailstorms affecting the Collio and Isonzo areas, causing limited damage to vineyards facing west or northwest. August recorded above-average rainfall, accumulating greater water reserves than in recent years. These conditions slowed veraison and postponed the harvest, which began on September 7—a delay of 7–10 days compared to 2022.
In terms of production, yields were 25% lower than the previous year. However, the grapes demonstrated good quality, with a slightly lower-than-average sugar content but high acidity, ensuring balance and freshness along with excellent aromatic potential.