la viarte societa' agricola semplice

LA VIARTE – which in the Friulian language means “spring” – is a hillside estate covering 34 hectares, of which 24 are vineyards, while the remaining land has been deliberately preserved as woodland to protect the landscape and maintain a natural microclimatic balance.

The winery is located in the beautiful Friuli Colli Orientali DOC area, between the municipalities of Corno di Rosazzo and Prepotto, just a few hundred meters from the Italian-Slovenian border. Founded in 1973, after more than 10 years of terracing and planting vineyards, the first wine was released in 1984, followed by the complete range in 1986.

Owned by the Polegato family, together with their team, the estate is dedicated to the care and enhancement of native grape varieties. Their flagship white wines include Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Malvasia, alongside historic Friulian reds such as Schioppettino di Prepotto, Pignolo, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, and the rare Tazzelenghe. The winery also produces Siùm (which means “dream” in Friulian), an amber passito wine made from Picolit and Verduzzo Friulano grapes. In addition, international varieties such as Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, and Merlot are cultivated.

In the best vintages, special wines are released under the “Liende” label—meaning “legend” in Friulian—including Friulano, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Pinot Bianco Liende. These wines are crafted to represent the highest level of excellence, obtained through meticulous grape selection from the estate’s oldest and most prestigious vineyards. Different ripening stages and winemaking techniques result in wines that beautifully combine tradition and modernity.

The soil, locally known as “Ponca,” is typical of eastern Friuli. It consists of stratified marl and sandstone of marine origin dating back to the Eocene period. This friable sedimentary rock, rich in clay, limestone minerals, and calcified sands, provides ideal conditions for high-quality viticulture.

The vineyards are planted on terraces and trained using Guyot and double-arched systems, with planting densities ranging from 3,000 to 7,000 vines per hectare in the more recent vineyards.

In the vineyard, careful monitoring ensures minimal environmental impact. Low average yields of 50–60 quintals per hectare, combined with manual harvesting in small crates and careful grape selection, ensure healthy and fully ripe grapes even in challenging vintages. This approach guarantees concentration and consistency in quality, while allowing for a simple, non-invasive winemaking process. The goal is to produce authentic, natural wines with minimal intervention, letting time and the seasons play a key role in their refinement.

The estate also offers a stunning panoramic setting surrounded by vineyards and woodland, featuring a wine shop and a modern, welcoming tasting room where, upon reservation, wine lovers and enotourists are warmly hosted.

La Viarte’s wine production reflects a deep commitment to both indigenous and international grape varieties. The estate highlights native Friulian whites such as Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Malvasia, alongside historic red varieties including Schioppettino di Prepotto, Pignolo, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, and the rare Tazzelenghe.

Among its most distinctive creations is Siùm, an amber passito whose name means “dream” in Friulian, made from Picolit and Verduzzo Friulano grapes. The winery also produces a range of international varieties, including Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Cabernet, and Merlot.

In the finest vintages, La Viarte releases its “Liende” selection—meaning “legend”—a line of wines crafted from the estate’s oldest and most prestigious vineyards. These wines result from meticulous grape selection and tailored vinification techniques, achieving a refined balance between tradition and modern expression.