Country: Italy
Region: Friuli
Appellation: Collio D.O.C
Grape Variety: 100% Friulano
Alcohol: 13.5%
Aging: 6 months in stainless steel
Training Method: Guyot
Soil: Marl & Sandstone. “Ponca”
Aging potential: 4 - 8 years
Serving Temperature: 45 to 50°F
The Grape:
Friulano is the white grape most closely associated with the northeastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, usually just called Friuli. This region, located in the top right hand corner of Italy, borders Austria to the north, Slovenia to the east and to the south forms part of the Adriatic coastline that includes Trieste.
Friulano was known as Tocai Friulano until a European Court ruling, protecting the famous Hungarian sweet wine name “Tokaji”, prohibited its use in 2007. Although Friulano has a long history in Friuli – and is often referred to as an indigenous grape variety – it is actually the Sauvignonasse grape, which originated in southwest France. Friulano is characteristically moderate to low in acidity, full of floral aromas, and light flavors of pears, almonds and citrus
Winemaking:
Traditional white wine vinification with manually harvested grapes, soft press followed by pneumatic press after a brief cold maceration with skin contact for 8 hours, static decantation of the must, controlled temperature of 18°C in stainless steel vats. Long rest on the yeasts.
Tasting notes:
Straw-yellow with greenish reflections. Medium-high alcoholic content. This is a fine and delicate wine, with hints of bitter almond and fruits, a full and fat body, and a medium acidity.