Vignai da Duline

It would be difficult to find two people who combine respect for the land, a love of nature and an appetite for hard work more effectively than Lorenzo Mocchiuti and Federica Magrini. In the late 90s they inherited some neglected vineyards from Lorenzo’s grandfather. Part of the new wave of winemakers who eschew modern winemaking and manipulation in favour of tradition, the couple behind Vignai da Duline have transformed this tiny, organically-farmed estate into one of Friuli’s brightest stars.

The vineyards cover two distinct areas: low-lying valley sites on terra rosa soil, which are high in iron and include vines dating from the 1930s, and the hilltop Ronco Pitotti vineyard, one of Friuli’s oldest. Unlike many others, they do not practice any leaf-thinning or green harvest, preferring to let the vines find their own natural balance. In addition, a type of alfalfa, erba medica, is planted between the rows, and when cut and ploughed into the ground, acts as a natural fertiliser.

This soulful approach continues in the winery, where fermentations are spontaneous. There is no contact with new oak that would mar the delicate flavours of the native Friulian varieties. The inestimable Kermit Lynch describes these wines as having “finesse, touch and class. Delicious AND interesting”. We couldn’t agree more.