mitja sirk - friuli-venezia giulia

As is the case with many Friulians, the Sirks are originally from neighbouring Slovenia. They arrived in the village of Cormons shortly after the end of World War II, with the idea of opening an osteria. Needless to say, the restaurant has evolved greatly since its inception and today it has become one of the most renowned and awarded dining tables in Friuli. 

At 27 years old, a winemaking prodigy, Mitja Sirk is one of the youngest winemakers in all of Italy. He made his first wine at the age of 11, under the tutorship of Friulian winemaking legend, Josko Gravner. Although Mitja enjoyed making orange wine, he wanted to pay tribute to Friuli’s most famous varietal: the indigenous Friulano (or more commonly referred to as Tocai amongst Friulians). Mitja aims to showcase the Friulano grape, the various vineyard sites, microclimates and zones of the Collio. Thus, his quest to search for some of the Collio’s oldest parcels of Friulano began. In 2016, the inaugural vintage of the Mitja Sirk Bianco was brought to fruition. 

Purity, minerality and longevity: those are the hallmarks of Mitja’s Friulano. Vinified entirely in stainless steel, this is perhaps one of the greatest expressions of old vine Tocai Friulano. It is a true expression of the Collio’s terroir and its winemaking potential. 

As Aldo Sohm, best Sommelier in America in 2007 and owner of the prestigious wine bar Aldo Sohm in New York City puts it, Mitja is “a young talented wine maker to keep a eye on.”

Producing a mere 800 cases of his wine each year, Mitja’s wine is a real gem and extremely rare. We are ecstatic to be representing this rising star and cannot wait to grow alongside his project which brings great honour to Friuli.