Imagine, the newborn of Borgo Stajnbech

An invitation to imagine, to shape a thought and an idea, that of the Valent family to represent their territory in an authentic but unconventional way.

With this spirit a new wine was born, a metodo classico, the first for the winery. The impetus came from Dad Giuliano, probably incentivized (and supported) by the presence of Rebecca, class of 1995 his daughter and above all an oenologist. Borgo Stajnbech is a family business in its own right. Mother Adriana Marinatto and father Giuliano Valent started the project between 1988 and '91 in Pramaggiore (VE). Today they own 17 hectares of vineyards in a border territory. Veneto yes, but with a heartfelt influence from neighboring Friuli. The family grows and Medea is born, who although a participant at the moment follows a completely different professional vocation, and Rebecca, who instead studied oenology in Udine and then also gained experience in California and is a greenhorn in her own right. Today she is the face of the winery where one of the most constructive and harmonious generational transitions ever is taking place.

It is no coincidence that the company claim is "we cultivate harmonies." Harmony, a concept that also returns and is fundamental in the birth of Imagine, 3300 bottles of which only 1600 are currently disgorged. In this blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir blanc de noir, vintage 2018 pas dosé, along with harmony two other key words reign supreme. Purity, which translates into the absence of dosage and is also symbolized by the little girl on the label swinging on a swing; and respect, for the environment and people, which we can translate into the SQNPI certification. 

Imagine is at the beginning of its career, with a very recent disgorgement dated September 2022, so I postpone the numerical judgment until a few months from now. However, it already denotes some character, subtle bubbling and well present. Nose in the process of delineation but marked by citrusy freshness with hints ranging from lemon leaf to almond blossom. A vertical palate that does not lack in facets although it is still all in perspective. I expect a non-trivial but very classic evolution, with some toasty notes emerging to give depth and an acidity and savoriness that will give backbone. News from the world of bottle refermentation aside, the winery's production is now well established in monovarietals from both the native and international white and red worlds. Spoiler: the first cuvée of Stajnbech's house is coming, bearing Rebecca's signature and all the desire to experiment.

Borgo Stajbech's "great classics" include, not surprisingly, a Chardonnay and a pure Pinot Noir, for all intents and purposes flagship wines that proudly bear the winery colors, yellow ochre and purple, on their labels. The list of must-haves cannot miss the Lison Classico Docg, 100% Tocai Friulano, which is named 150. Among the company's most representative products, and perhaps the most representative, 150 takes its name from the historical fact that in 2011 Lison becomes Docg, and in that same year our Italy celebrates the first 150 years since the Union. Also in 2011, Imagine began to take shape, with the first experimentation with white vinification of Pinot Noir; today that wine helps shape the 2018 liquer d'expedition. 

The Valent family's secret to producing authentic, harmonious and respectful references on these soils rich in gray clay, with flat vineyards and temperatures worthy of a lagoon hinterland, lies in the yields. The quantities of grapes brought home per plant are always well calibrated, for some one would be inclined to say scarce. However, concentration should not be overdone either. There is craftsmanship without a doubt in what they do, with an important human component in the field (and in the cellar) in following, selecting and knowing how to wait where it is needed. 

Waiting belongs especially to the Chardonnay, yellow label, late harvest and fermentation in new barrels. A delicious product on the nose, powerful and warm on the palate, perhaps slightly alcoholic but consistent. Anticipation by definition also belongs to Pinot Noir in red, with three clones involved each making a different contribution to the final harmony between aromas, acidity, structure. The future holds as I mentioned also a white cuvée, crowning this family's dream of balance, authenticity and harmony.

• 150 Lison Classico 2021
• Trevenezie Chardonnay Stajnbech Bianco 2021
• Trevenezie Pinot Nero 2020 

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