Held in the refined setting of Claridge’s Hotel in Mayfair, a Vintage Tunina masterclass took place in March, bringing together a group of wine professionals for an in-depth exploration of one of Italy’s most iconic white wines. Guided by winemaker Luca Belluzzo, the event fostered dialogue, discovery, and reflection on the unique qualities that continue to define Jermann’s flagship wine.

A Legacy in the Glass: The Story of Jermann and Vintage Tunina

Jermann’s story is one of vision and reinvention. Established in 1881 in Friuli’s Collio region, the winery has built a reputation for crafting some of Italy’s most refined white wines. The turning point came in the 1970s when Silvio Jermann introduced a new approach to Friulian winemaking, culminating in the birth of Vintage Tunina in 1975. A masterful blend of international and indigenous varieties—Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Bianca, and Picolit—Vintage Tunina has become a benchmark for elegant, age-worthy Italian whites. Now, as Jermann moves forward under the Antinori family’s stewardship, its commitment to quality and innovation remains unchanged.

Tasting the Evolution of a Modern Classic

The vertical tasting at Claridge’s, led by Jermann winemaker Luca Belluzzo, provided a rare opportunity to explore the evolution of Vintage Tunina across six distinct vintages: 2013, 2015, 2016, 2019, 2020, and 2022. Each vintage revealed the wine’s ability to balance power and finesse, with its aromatic complexity shaped by the region’s unique terroir and the distinctive Ponca soil.

• 2013: A classic expression, showing tertiary evolution with dried flowers, ripe stone fruit, and a saline finish. Beautifully developed, retaining freshness alongside enhanced complexity.
• 2015: A well-balanced vintage with moderate acidity and pronounced minerality. Hints of white peach, citrus, and wild herbs give way to a textured, persistent finish.
• 2016: Structured yet refined, with more body and tension. Displays rich stone fruit, orange blossom, and subtle oak influence, highlighting the vintage’s strength.
• 2019: A standout year, showing remarkable energy and purity. Cool-climate precision enhances the floral and citrus notes, with an elegant, lengthy finish.
• 2020: A harmonious blend of ripe orchard fruit, tropical nuances, and well-integrated acidity. The warmth of the vintage is counterbalanced by an underlying freshness.
• 2022: The youngest in the lineup, with vibrant floral and citrus-driven aromas, complemented by a taut mineral edge. A promising vintage with aging potential.

Winemaking Philosophy: A Field Blend with a Singular Identity

One of the defining characteristics of Vintage Tunina is its vinification process. Unlike conventional blends, where individual varieties are fermented separately and later assembled, all five grape varieties in Vintage Tunina are harvested together on the same day and co-fermented. This field blend approach ensures seamless integration of flavors and a distinctive identity that remains true across vintages. The winemaking process has also evolved over time, with a shift from predominantly stainless-steel fermentation to increased use of large Slavonian oak barrels, lending additional texture and depth while preserving the wine’s innate elegance.

A Quiet Icon: Why Vintage Tunina Deserves a Louder Voice

Vintage Tunina has long been recognized as a reference point for Italian white wines, appreciated by sommeliers and buyers for its pedigree and exceptional aging potential. The tasting reaffirmed its remarkable versatility and ability to compete with the world’s finest whites. With a profile that evolves beautifully over time, offering complexity akin to fine Burgundian whites, Vintage Tunina is a valuable addition to premium wine programs. The event at Claridge’s underscored that Vintage Tunina is not just a historic wine but a living expression of Friuli’s terroir—one that merits renewed attention and appreciation in the UK trade landscape.

If you are interested in tasting the current vintage of Vintage Tunina, please get in touch with your Berkmann account manager or send an email to antinori.team@berkmann.co.uk