Tunella
Three Generations, One Family History:
In the far eastern edge of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in North Eastern Italy sits Tunella, one of the iconic wineries from Colli Orientali that is celebrated for crafting world-class wines. The Tunella winery carries an air of stylishness reflective of the voguish culture of northern Italy. Minimalism as a way of life transcends to quality wine, “do little to do better” is their motto, and tradition inspires their dedication to producing great wines year after year.
The story of this winery can be traced back to the 1960s, when Min Zorzettig, a tenant farmer, started producing wine for his family in the heart of Colli Orientali del Friuli. With the help of his sons Francesco, Giuseppe and Livio, Min decided to cultivate wines on a commercial scale, so he purchased small plots of land in Ronchi San Giuseppe near his family home in the Spessa di Cividale village.
Fast forward to the 1980s, the estate flourished and the Zorzettig family had become so large that the three brothers decided to each start their separate wineries. Notably, Livio established a 23-hectare winery in Ipplis, an estate that was later carried on by his widow Gabriella and her young sons Massimo and Marco. Today, Massimo is responsible for the wine cellars while Marco oversees the vineyards. Both are supported by a trusted team of employees to continue their family’s tradition, dedication, and passion.
Did you know?
Since 2002, the winery has been called Tunella after the name of the vineyard in which their farmhouse sits.
Tunella produces a wide range of international varietals, and also highlights several of the region’s indigenous varietals, including Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, Refosco, Schioppettino and Pignolo,
The family has opted for low environmental impact integrated pest control to reduce the use of systemic pesticides and chemical fertilizers, and for all company processes and activities we use clean energy generated by solar panels.
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Tunella Mixed Case Bordeaux Red 2022
The introduction of Bordeaux grape varieties to Friuli, Italy, is generally credited to French agronomists and viticulturists who were brought to the region during the 19th century. This effort was part of a broader wave of experimentation and modernization in Italian viticulture. Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc thrived in Friuli’s diverse terroirs and complemented the region’s existing native varieties.
$33.75 -
Tunella Biancosesto 2022
Tunella’s top wine, Biancosesto (Tre Bicchieri – Gambero Rosso 2024), is produced from equal parts Ribolla Gialla and Friulano, the two noble white native grapes of Friuli. The vines are raised in sandstone and marl soils known as “ponca” in the local dialect and are planted densely at 5,000 vines per hectare. Harvest is done by hand, and a cold maceration takes place over 2 days. The must is cold settled and inoculated with native yeast. It is then aged “sur lies” in 30HL Slavonian aak casks for 10 months with frequent batonnage prior to bottling. Biancosesto is celebrating its 20th anniversary with the 2022 vintage and once again it has received the highest award of TRE BICCCHIERE (along with high marks from other wine publications)!
$48.95 -
Tunella Pinot Grigio 2023
The wine has an intense straw yellow color, evolving to a richer yellow with aging. It has a fruity and fragrant nose evoking aromas of warm bread crust and intense perfume of acacia blossom and ripe tropical fruit. The palate echoes the nose and is elegant, medium-bodied with moderate acidity and delicate hints of yeast. A wine with a decisive character.
$30.50 -
Tunella Sauvignon 2023
Sauvignon Blanc from the Colli Orientali in North East Italy, this has an intense bouquet with scents of sage and tomato leaf blend with delicate notes of melon and yellow pepper. Perfectly balanced, fresh, dry with long aromatic persistence.
$30.50