classical quirky vino
Friulano
Fresh and bright, with finely sculpted green pear, apple, peach and floral notes. Lush in texture with a slight spiciness, finishing with a subtle hint of almond.
quick facts
APPELLATION: Friuli Grave DOC
VINTAGE: 2015
STYLE: white
GRAPE: friulano
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: oak
MATURATION: oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
CASE SIZE: 6
Pinot Grigio ‘Ronco Pitotti’
The pinot grigio vines in Ronco Pittoti are thought to be the oldest in Friuli. Combine this with Federica and Lorenzo’s radically tradtional approach, and it’s no surprise that this pinot grigio is unlike any other. Complex, with layers of texture and racy acidity, it’s a wine that will age gracefully for many years to come.
quick facts
APPELLATION: Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
VINTAGE: 2015
STYLE: white
GRAPE: pinot grigio
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: oak
MATURATION: oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 13.5%
CASE SIZE: 6
Malvasia Istriana ‘Chioma Integrale’
A subtle and delicate wine with whispers of apple, fennel and white blossom. On the palate, there is a touch of white pepper complicating the rounded texture.
‘Chioma Integrale’ refers to the vines having a full head of hair, as none of the shoots or leaves are trimmed.
quick facts
APPELLATION: IGT Venezia Giulia
VINTAGE: 2016
STYLE: white
GRAPE: malvasia
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: oak
MATURATION: oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 12.5%
CASE SIZE: 6
Chardonnay ‘Ronco Pitotti’
Chardonnay was brought to Friuli in the late nineteenth century, and it has taken well to the cool climate and rocky soils. The low-yielding vines of Ronco Pitotti bring tremendous depth to the typically lean, restrained fruit profile. Vignai da Duline age the wine in large old barrels, adding lush, open texture. A wonderful balance of concentration and freshness.
quick facts
APPELLATION: Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
VINTAGE: 2016
STYLE: white
GRAPE: chardonnay
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: oak
MATURATION: oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 14%
CASE SIZE: 6
Schioppettino
Refined yet vibrant, with striking purity to the red-berried fruit, earthy spice and delicate violet flavours. Supple and silky in texture with just a kick of pepper. An absolute charmer that proves Friuli’s reds are every bit as classy as its whites.
quick facts
APPELLATION: IGT Venezia Giulia
VINTAGE: 2016
STYLE: red
GRAPE: schioppettino
FARMING: organic
FERMENTATION: oak
MATURATION: oak
FILTRATION: filtered
ALCOHOL: 13%
CASE SIZE: 6
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.
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