The Sturm family estate encompasses 10 hectares, most of which are located within the cru of Zegla in Cormons, Friuli. The composition of the terrain – primarily marl and sandstone from the Eocene epoch (34-56 million years old!) – is essentially clay-based rocks that disintegrate with the cycle of the seasons into smaller and smaller pebbles, finally becoming the mineral-rich soils which benefit Sturm’s vines. The Zegla cru adds much prestige to the estate: it’s not only the mineral-rich soil, known locally as Ponca, but there is significantly more altitude, from 150 to 200 meters above sea level. The climate is blessed for wine growing: cool breezes from the Julian Alps help maintain the fresh characteristics and minerality of “continental” wines, while the proximity to the Adriatic and excellent expositions bring an almost tropical ripeness to the fruit. All work in the vineyards is done by hand, and no chemical fertilizers or pesticides are used.