The Benedictine monks from the Abbey of Milstatt in Carinthia brought the knowledge of the cultivation of the vine and the olive tree to the Abbey of Rosazzo as early as the end of the thirteenth century, thus contributing to the growth in importance of the district. A document from the Abbey of Rosazzo dated 20 January 1341 reads: "The Patriarch Bertrando has threatened the excommunication of several people, who after having occupied a wood belonging to the Abbey of Rosazzo did not want to plant vines". This document testifies the vocation for the cultivation of the vine at Rosazzo, the birthplace of some of the greatest Friulian grape varieties, such as Ribolla Gialla, Piccolit and Pignolo - true treasures of Friulian winemaking.
In the sixteenth century Ribolla Gialla of Rosazzo was one of the favourite wines of the Venetian Doge, and the abbey's production of this wine was reserved for him alone.
In 1979 the task of the agricultural reorganization of the vineyards began, with the creation of the characteristic terraces known as "Ronchi" where the plants of the precious vineyards are found.
The production area is part of the quality control Denominazione d'Origine Controllata "Colli Orientali del Friuli" and the subzone "Rosazzo".
The location of the abbey is fascinating. From an altitude of 176 metres the view to the left sweeps from the valley of Kobarid, passes over the Slovenian portion of the Collio to then embrace the eastern Friulian plain, the outline of the basilica of Aquileia with the lagoon of Grado lying behind it, the thin line of the Mortegliano bell tower standing out against the backdrop of the hills of Buttrio to then finish with the dizzying site of the solidity and elegance of the Piancavallo massif.
The soil of Rosazzo is entirely formed of yellow and grey marl - known as "Ponca" in Friulian dialect - which combines with a unique microclimate to create an ideal environment for the vine. Indeed the climate is particularly mild given the vicinity of the sea (25 km as the crow flies) and because the Slovenian mountains protect the area from the cold winds originating from Siberia.
Implantation is for the most part modern with vine training according to the Guyot system and with a large number of plants per hectare. In this way the yield per plant is very low (around 1 kg of grapes per plant) and the quality is the best available. Indeed the work performed in the vineyards is done to obtain the best grapes possible.
The winery is equipped with stainless steel vats whose temperature is regulated by an electronic panel, thus enabling real-time monitoring of the wine contained therein.
The wine cellar, which can be visited today, is one of the oldest in Friuli, dating back to the end of the thirteenth century when the Benedictine monks used to age their own wines and olive oil.
In addition, during the warmer months the beauty of the "Path of the Roses" can be appreciated, which winds through old and modern rose-beds alongside the vineyards.