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History and philosophy
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History and philosophy

The valley of the river Isonzo, a world of great wines. A unique place, founded on a perfect harmony between heady bouquets, intense flavours and exquisite aromas strictly related to the individual characteristics of the variety. Since October 30th, 1974, the uniqueness and excellence that set this region apart have been safeguarded by the Consortium for the protection and promotion of DOC Isonzo wines. The headquarters of the consortium are hosted in a multi-purpose centre at Cormons, together with the Consortium for the protection of Collio wines and the Vineyard Register of the Gorizia chamber of commerce.
The consortium has been made possible by the efforts of Sergio Cosolo, the consortium’s founder and first chairman from 1974 to 1984, and his successors: Carlo Bortolotto (1984-1990), Ilvo Nadali (1990), Paolo Brotto (1991-1996), Ruggero Del Torre (1996-1999), Claudio Tomadin (1999-2002) Del Torre again (2002-2004) and now Michela Sfiligoi. The consortium’s directors have also played key roles: Claudio Fabbro (1974-1978), Ugo Cucit (1979-1995) and now Michele Bertolami, since 1996.
Focusing on environmental idiosyncrasies, a number of studies were carried out to divide the area into zones of similar terrain and climate: the left bank of the river Isonzo is distinguished by soils poor in lime and rich in noble clays mixed with red gravels, whereas the soils of the right bank are very calcareous due to a significant content of white gravels. For this reason, a project has been launched to divide the territory into two distinct areas, identified by two names which, as a ‘Collective mark', will appear on the label from April 2004. Thus the upper plains, with their lime-poor and only partially permeable terrain containing red gravels will be called Rive Alte. Here, vines cultivated using guyot, spurred cordon and double inverted techniques with a minimum density of 4000 plants/hectare, produce exclusively Pinot grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Tocai Friulano and Merlot. The well drained terrains containing white gravels, on the other hand, will be known as the Rive Di Giare, and the varieties cultivated, with methods similar to the Rive Alte zone, will be Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Malvasia Istriana, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Merlot. The consortium is committed to strengthening the image and enhancing the characteristics of the products, promoting awareness of them on the market and contributing to improving quality, starting from the vine itself, as a great wine starts life in the vineyard. It is also committed to specialisation, focusing on the production of no more that eight international and local varieties, with the former enjoying considerable reputation and success and the latter displaying great character and potential. The vineyards are structured with non-expansive cultivation techniques, with high vine densities and irrigation used only as an emergency measure. Yield ranges from 6 to 9 tonnes per hectare. The producers implement advanced methods, such as planting grass between rows, the use of mowing waste to integrate the soil and stripping bunches from the vine during two separate periods. Furthermore, green pruning and irrigation are reduced to ensure consistent production. These measures bring out the intrinsic qualities of each vineyard. These may grow in the same territory but each has its own individual character due to factors such microclimate and pedological differences, which are reason enough to indicate the name of the vineyard on the label.
There is only one overriding objective and we are committed to discovering the best means to achieve it: to present, develop and promote the wines of the Isonzo DOC denomination. Through the press and other operators in the sector, with producers represented at and participating in national and international events in which the consortium is particularly active to support the initiatives of its members. Concerted and coordinated actions to form a tangible reference for the consumer, who will thus be able to associate each individual product with its place of origin, through the production of informative pamphlets and other material. Publishing articles and advertisements in Italian and foreign magazines to promote awareness of the brand, the territory and the products of the denomination. Last but not least, guaranteeing a future of prosperity and quality for this territory and its wines. This is why it is important that we continue bringing producers together to dialogue and collaborate, and to share problems and new strategies for production and more. To spread awareness of these actions, we must invite Italian and foreign journalists and operators to the area, so that they can see our successful, shared solutions for cultivation, conservation, production and sales for themselves.
 
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