Like the gravelly Graves region of Bordeaux, Friuli owes its name to the gravel in the subsoil, which forces the roots of the vine to grow deep into the earth in search of water. As the vine struggles, its fruit grows richer, resulting in full, well-structured wine with remarkable minerality. The grapes for all of Pighin’s wines are handpicked and pressed in state-of-the-art pneumatic presses. Select grapes of optimum ripeness are gently pressed immediately after harvest and undergo a 14- to 18-day cold-temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks. As there is no malolactic fermentation or oak aging, the finished product is a beautifully pure expression of Sauvignon Blanc grapes.