Jermann Wine – Uncompromising, Uncapped, and Unrivaled

Meet Jermann, a winery founded after generations of migration settled in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Their wines are uniquely sealed with Stelvin closures (or screwcaps) instead of the traditional cork because the visionary Silvio Jermann could see what the future would need: the best possible wine experience for each bottle.

In the 18th century, Sefanus, Silvio’s great-great-great-grandfather, migrated from the Burgenland in Austria to modern-day Slovenia. In 1881, Anton Jermann, Silvio’s great-grandfather, in turn moved from modern-day Slovenia to Villanova di Farra in Friuli and founded Jermann.

Come 1971, it was Silvio’s turn to look forward towards what Jermann could become. He revolutionized the winery after spending time working overseas and created the wine that started it all: Vintage Tunina. In a time when blends were taboo, Silvio broke the mold and assembled a blend the world had never seen before: Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana, Ribolla Gialla, and Picolit. He went one step further and named the wine after the pet name used by Giacomo Casanova for his mistress. Jermann released the first Vintage Tunina in 1975, and, in 2016, just after the 40th anniversary, Vintage Tunina was awarded the best Italian white wine in the world.

As mentioned previously, a unique marker of these high-quality wines is their Stelvin closure, or screwcap. This pivot also comes from Silvio’s forward-thinking. In the late 1990’s, he saw another opportunity to break the norm and seal his best wines with a Stelvin cap instead of the traditional cork closure. This, per Jermann, sets their wines apart as the most “uncapped.” This style of closure suspends the aromas in a state of timelessness, guaranteeing the best possible experience for each bottle to stay exactly as it is when it leaves the winery. This belief was upheld when the 1997 Vintage Tunina, closed with a Stelvin cap, was judged “perfect” because of its preserved aromas and liveliness.

A core belief of Jermann is that exceptional wines must come from exceptional grapes. It comes as no surprise then that they focus on continual research for excellence, both in the vineyard and winery. They have an absolute respect for the natural cycles of land and are committed to sustainability and environmental protection. No fertilizers, chemical residues, or pesticides are used in the vineyards — only organic compounds are allowed. The area’s biodiversity holds 75–130 distinct species that are thriving thanks to Jermann’s use of cover crops and other practices. Of the estate’s 200 hectares, 170 are the prime vineyards used to produce their legendary wines, while 20 hectares are kept for arable crops.

The original winery in Villanova di Farra is “the roots” of Jermann. The Isonzo River crosses the vineyards surrounding the winery and cuts the area into two. On the left bank, the soil is a mixture of red gravel and noble clay. On the right, alluvial deposits dot calcareous soil from white gravel. These vines grow in an ideal climate, thanks to the thermoregulation from the sea and protection from the mountains. These soils produce deeply colored, well-structured, and intense red wines, and elegant, aromatic, and balanced whites.

Inaugurated on 07/07/07, the Rutters cellar is the “Sustainable Jewel” of Jermann. Here, the most traditional architecture meets the most advanced technology to create a seamless harmony. This winery is nestled in the heart of Dolegna del Collio, surrounded by 20 hectares of vineyards. The soil here is lightweight and fresh — water erosion over 100 million years ago created the iconic “Ponca” soil which is highly stratified and rich in marl and sandstone. Cool nights preserve the aromas of the grapes, while warm air currents off the Adriatic Sea keep the grapes dry and healthy during the daytime. The winery also has achieved the CasaClimaWine certification, an achievement only attainable by wineries designed to be sustainable. This jewel produces several Jermann gems, including Vintage Tunina, Where Dreams, Capo Martino, and Vignatruss.

Jermann produces a wide range of wines, including grappa. Their collection of white wines can be separated into blends and single-varietal wines. The blends are each a unique combination, and often include several native varietals. “Vintage Tunina” is a surprising blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana, Ribolla Gialla, and Picolit. The grapes are harvested late, depending on the year. This bright-straw colored wine has an intense aroma of honey and fields of flowers. “Così Sia,” or “So Be It,” is an ode to the native varietals, including Malvasia Istriana and Ribolla Gialla. Its aromas include rich ripe fruit, sweet spices, and hints of honey. “Capo Martino” is made of more native varietals and is named after the hill the grapes are grown on. Lastly, “Vinnae” is mainly Ribolla Gialla and is named to celebrate the birth of Silvio’s second son and the 100-year anniversary of winemaking at Villanova di Farra.

Their single-varietal wines, often named by the varietal, include Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Their Riesling, named “Afix Riesling,” is partly vinified on the skins to add complexity and texture. Gewürztraminer is made under the Italian name “Traminer Aromatico.” A lesser-known varietal, Picolit, is only produced in half-bottles because of the rarity of the wine: the grapes naturally raisinate, creating a luxurious wine unlike any other. A slightly more famous single-varietal is their “…Dreams…” Chardonnay — this wine’s name was originally inspired by the song “Where the streets have no name” by U2, as “Where the Dreams have no end…” The color of the capsule has changed every vintage in accordance with the seven colors of the iris featured on the label. The name changed several times: “Were Dreams, now it is just wine!” in 1996, “W… Dreams…” in 2003, and returning to “Where Dreams have no end…” in 2015. The original “Where the Dreams have no end…” label was even featured in the hit Disney movie “The Parent Trap” in 1998.

The red wines from Jermann are also remarkable. “Red Angel” is based on Pinot Nero, or Pinot Noir, and aged for five “moons” in oak. “Lonsblau” is 100% Pinot Nero grown on west-facing vineyards on the left bank of the river Rudrio. “Blau & Blau” is a blend of historic varietal Franconia, or Blaufränkisch, which the Jermann family have cultivated since the 1800’s, and a small amount of Pinot Nero. It is dedicated to Sylvia Tunina, Silvio Jermann’s latest born. The name “Pignacolusse” is a combination of pigna, referring to the pine-cone-like shape of the native Pignolo grape, and colusse, the cadastral name of the vineyard.

Jermann additionally makes three grappa. “Grappa Spirt di Tunina” is made from the pomace of Vintage Tunina in a pot still and rested in stainless steel. “Grappa Spirt di Bellina” is made from 100% Moscato rosa, making a slightly sweet and aromatic spirit. Lastly, “Grappa Jermann” is slightly sweet, warm, and fragrant.

The wines of Jermann are legendary, and for good reason. Because of Silvio Jermann’s constant push to break the mold and ability to see what possibilities lie ahead, Jermann winery has gained a well-deserved reputation for world-class wines.

Excited to have a taste? Visit your local Eataly to try one of their wines at our restaurants or shop online at EatalyVino.