What I Learned

Collio and Friuli Colli Orientali are considered the best among ten zones in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy, due to hills, for good drainage and optimal sun, and proximity to cold Alpine air (for good ventilation), tempered by Adriatic influences. (From Cormons, you can sometimes see the Adriatic.) Here, the soils are limestone overlaid with marl and sandstone. Some of the best growing areas in Friuli Colli Orientali are around Corno di Rosazzo.

However, the southeast corner of the Friuli Colli Orientali, around Prepotto, is home to the Schiopettino is an indigenous red varietal. It is also known as Ribolla Nera. Almost lost to extinction, it slowly regained favor. Unfortunately, it is difficult to grow, so even now amounts are limited. When vinified, it results in heavy and powerful wines. The bottles labeled Friuli Colli Orientali DOC Schopettino (about 80,000 per year) of this wine will have been aged in barrels for at least 12 months, and may be released no earlier than September “of the second year following the harvest”.

While white wine accounts for more than half all Friuli wine production, red wines from red varietals play a significant role. Aside from Schiopettino, there are a couple of other local red varietals. Pignolo is a rare red, which is attempting to stage a come-back a la Schiopettino. Another one is Refosco, which could be the next star. It is capable of great aging, and can be powerful with spicy and stewed fruits flavors. However, its style can be inconsistent, with its wines ranging from a light Beaujolais-style to a heavier Cabernet Sauvignon style, depending on the vinification technique. Finally, the most planted red varietal is the very international varietal: Merlot.

 

What I Tasted

2014 Schioppettino, Friuli Colli Orientali, DOC; Azienda Agricola Iacuzzi (Torreano): A dry red wine with dark garnet color; a spicy, dried cherry nose, with hints of grass, and dried cherry, pepper and grassy flavors; medium-low tannins.

2014 Schioppettino, Friuli Colli Orientali, DOC; Colli di Poianis (Prepotto): A dry red wine with a lighter medium ruby red color; a red berries and cherry nose, and dried cherries, red berries, and peppery flavors; low tannins.

2014 Schioppettino, Friuli Colli Orientali, DOC; Valerio Marinig (Prepotto): A dry red wine with a medium ruby red color; a red berries and cherry nose, and smoky, dried cherries, red berries, and peppery flavors; medium-low tannins.

2014 Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Friuli Colli Orientali, DOC; Aquila del Torre (Savorgnano del Torre): A dry red wine with dark garnet red color; a spicy, red berry and dried cherry nose, and flavors of the same; strong tannins.

2014 Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Friuli Colli Orientali, DOC, Vini Orsono, Bastianich: A dry red wine with dark garnet red color; nose of stewed plums and oak, with dark cherry and vanilla flavors with a hint of smokiness; strong tannins.

2013 Schioppettino, Friuli Colli Orientali, DOC, Colli di Poianis: A dry red wine with medium plus ruby red color, with a tinge of purple; a green nose, with red berry and slight vanilla flavors; medium tannins