Vineyards Magazine

A unique soil heritage for sustainable, elegant and recognisable viticulture,

In an area where the soil mosaic reaches levels of rare complexity, Tenute Tomasella has made knowledge of its terroir a real mission. For this reason, it has collaborated with Diego Tomasi, a researcher at CREA-VE, in a study aimed at analysing and understanding the diversity of the soils in which its vines are rooted. The objective is clear: to develop resilient and adaptable viticulture, capable of responding effectively to climate change without forcing nature, but accompanying it with respect.

At the heart of the estate, which covers around 50 hectares, there is a surprising geological variety. Soils formed as a result of flooding from the Livenza river, influenced over time by deposits from other rivers and the foothills of the Prealps, create a veritable puzzle of soils: silty, clayey and calcareous soils alternate even within a few hundred metres. This rare richness gives the grapes unique and different characteristics, contributing to the complexity and elegance of the wines produced.

In the Veneto region, the soils are ‘warm’, light in colour, with a fine or medium texture, lacking in skeleton but rich in limestone and organic matter. These conditions favour excellent root exploration, the absence of waterlogging and an ideal mineral balance (potassium and magnesium in particular), elements that give white grapes intense aromatic profiles and red grapes soft tannins and great structure.

On the other hand, in the Friuli DOC, the vineyards lie on the high Friulian plain, between the Meduna and Livenza rivers, in the central-western part of the Grave. Here, the alluvial soils, with a coarser texture, are characterised by an abundance of dolomitic limestone, known locally as caranto. It is this substrate that gives the white wines their freshness and floral fragrance, while the red wines are fragrant, structured and capable of evolving nobly over time.

“You cannot ask more of a vine than it can give” is the principle that guides Tenute Tomasella in every agronomic and oenological choice. A conscious, patient approach to viticulture that originates from the earth and returns to the earth, fully respecting its rhythm. A philosophy that translates into authentic wines, capable of overcoming geographical barriers and speaking a universal language of elegance, harmony and terroir.

Combining scientific research, a passion for wine and a deep respect for nature, Tenute Tomasella demonstrates that the true future of wine is cultivated today, starting with the soil. Furthermore, in 2021, the company began the process of converting to organic farming, a path consistent with this vision, which will lead to the complete conversion of all its vineyards by the 2025 harvest.