Miani: New Releases & More

BY ANTONIO GALLONI | MARCH 1, 2017   

These new releases from Miani and proprietor Enzo Pontoni show that Friuli’s most inspired, quality-obsessed grower continues to push the boundaries with brilliant whites and reds that showcase the pedigree of the region’s best sites.

Miani fans have a lot to look forward to this year. Enzo Pontoni is releasing the first wines from his new Zitelle property. There are numerous other developments taking place at this tiny, garage-like winery in the heart of Friuli’s Colli Orientali as well. One of Friuli’s most ambitious growers, Pontoni is not resting on his laurels, but rather pushing ahead with his usual drive, total obsession for perfection and passion for the land. The best time to catch Pontoni is still at the end of the day or when it is raining. Otherwise, he pretty much spends every waking hour, except for lunch, in the field.

Le Zitelle, Buttrio

First Wines From Le Zitelle

In 2006, Paolo Meroi, Pontoni’s close friend and colleague, had the opportunity to purchase a large tract of land known as Le Zitelle, (which translates into The Spinsters in English) in Buttrio through his rights of first refusal (known as diritti di prelazione) in the event of a sale. Le Zitelle was owned by a group of local nuns who over the years had leased out portions of land to local growers. The parcel was too big for Meroi alone, so he and Pontoni essentially split it. Pontoni was quite emotional when he showed me the site. His grandfather had done some of the original plantings here many years ago. As part of the division of blocks, Pontoni gave Meroi his Refosco Calvari parcel, which means that wine will no longer be produced, at least not by Miani (more on that below). Following the acquisition, Pontoni completely replanted Le Zitelle. The 2015s are his first wines off the property.