Jermann
Summary
Jermann is a historic Friulian producer operating 160 hectares across Collio and Isonzo DOCs, specializing in distinctive white wines that express the minerality of the region's ponca soils and balanced maritime-alpine climate. Their winemaking balances modern techniques with traditional practices, creating wines that honor both indigenous and international varieties while maintaining a commitment to terroir expression through minimal intervention.
Heritage & Leadership
Jermann was established in 1881 when Anton Jermann relocated from Austria to the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. The winery began in the village of Villanova di Farra, where Anton purchased his first vineyards. For much of its history, Jermann operated as a traditional Friulian farm, producing wine alongside other agricultural products.
The transformative period for Jermann came in the 1970s when Silvio Jermann, representing the family's fourth generation, took control of winemaking operations after studying enology. Under his direction, Jermann shifted focus to producing distinctive white wines that would help redefine the potential of Friulian viticulture. In 2021, the Antinori family acquired a majority stake in Jermann, though the Jermann family maintains involvement in operations. The winery continues to be managed with input from the founding family, preserving its distinctive approach while gaining the distribution advantages of the Antinori network.
Vineyards & Wines
Jermann's vineyards span approximately 160 hectares across multiple sites in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The primary vineyard holdings are located in Ruttars in the Collio DOC and Villanova di Farra in the Isonzo DOC. The estate's vineyards benefit from the region's unique soil composition, particularly the ponca (flysch) soils—a mixture of marl and sandstone that contributes minerality to the wines.
The vineyards sit at elevations ranging from 80 to 130 meters above sea level and benefit from cooling influences from the Adriatic Sea and the Julian Alps. Jermann cultivates both international varieties (Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio) and indigenous grapes (Ribolla Gialla, Friulano). The flagship wine, Vintage Tunina, is a field blend of Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, and Picolit from a single vineyard site. Other significant wines include the Pinot Grigio "Dreams," Vinnae (Ribolla Gialla-based blend), and Where Dreams Have No End (Chardonnay). Red wine production is limited but includes Pinot Nero and Red Angel, a Pinot Noir blend.
Philosophy & Practice
Jermann's winemaking philosophy centers on expressing varietal character and vineyard terroir with minimal intervention. The winery employs temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel for most white wines, with select cuvées seeing partial barrel fermentation and aging. Vintage Tunina undergoes fermentation in stainless steel followed by six months of aging on the lees before bottling, a technique that enhances textural complexity while preserving freshness.
The winery has invested in modern cellar technology while maintaining traditional practices where beneficial. Harvest is conducted by hand, with careful grape selection in the vineyard. Jermann practices sustainable viticulture with reduced chemical inputs and water conservation measures, though the estate does not currently hold organic certification. The winery's approach balances innovation with respect for tradition, as evidenced by their pioneering work with indigenous varieties and their commitment to producing site-specific wines that reflect Friuli's distinctive terroir.