Under $30

Unoaked Chardonnay (2018)

di Lenardo

$19.00

• Description
• Details

• 
  Looking for a buttery California Chardonnay? This is not it. Friuli’s chardonnays have an entirely different palate than a California Chard, mainly due to the fact that Friuli’s Chardonnays are entirely unoaked, bringing to bear a completely different taste, like nothing you have ever experienced. The 2015 vintage received the prestigious "Tre Bicchieri" award in the 2017 competition.
  
  

  This wine from di Lenardo, a family that has been making wine since 1878, is the only one in Friuli to use only vines of the “Musque” clone, meaning that this wine is highly aromatic and unique in its composition. Di Lenardo is acknowledged as one of the best quality brands in the Friuli Grave area and the most technologically-advanced. Since 2009, the winery has used only to use solar energy to run its cellar. Environmentally conscious, equally advanced in winemaking, try this little wine for a great surprise that will change your tastes in Chardonnay!

• Typology: White wine from the Friuli Grave area
  Production area: The grapes come from one of the winery’s four vineyards, Vigne dai Vieris.
  Grape variety: 100% Chardonnay 
  Soil composition: Gravel, rock 
  Harvesting: by hand
  Fermentation and refinery: The whole berries are pressed gently in a pneumatic press. After a first racking, the must is transferred to temperature-controlled fermentation still vats. The wine is left on the fine lees to rest before bottling.Malo-lactic fermentation. Clarification of the musts is done using a new “state of the art” flotation bio-system, and this wine is bottled under a vacuum.
  Alcohol Content: 12.5% vol.
  Temperature for Serving: 12°C
  Tasting notes: Zero oaking brings a refreshing, new take to what Californians are used to in a chardonnay. The philosophy is to place emphasis on the pure fruitiness and acidity of the grape by eliminating the masking effect caused by final maturation in oak barrels. Lively citrus fruit leads to creamy finish of ground hazelnuts. Just a peek of tropical fruit to an otherwise fresh style of Chardonnay.
  Serving Suggestions: Pair with risotto, roasted vegetables, lasagna and other pasta or first courses.

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Friulano (2018)

Specogna

$23.00

• Description
• Details

• The story behind this wine is enough to make anyone want to sample it! Friulano from Friuli-Venezia-Giulia is traditionally known as Tocai Friuliano, for its native growing region Friuli. This grape is a member of the Sauvignon family. Like its more recognizable and well-traveled cousin, Sauvignon-Blanc, Tocai Friulano produces dry white wines with pronounced minerality, acidity and gentle fruitiness.
  Thanks to the vagaries of European Union naming conventions, the Italians have been searching for a new name for Tocai since 2006. In 1993, after Hungary joined the European Union, they gained the rights to the name “Tokaji,” and all the variations in spelling (Tocai, Tokay, and several others). All this in spite of the fact that Hungarian Tokaji is a sweet dessert wine, with little in common with Tocai Friuliano apart from its color.

• Typology: White wine – Doc Collio
  Production area: Rocca Bernarda
  Grape variety: 100% Tocai Friulano
  Soil composition: Marl and sandstone
  Planting Year: 1963, Cappuccina training system
  Harvesting: by hand in 10 kilogram boxes.
  Fermentation and refinery: De-stemming and soft crushing, followed by immediate cooling to 7-8 ° C. The grapes are macerated for 12 hours at a low temperature. Racking and fermentation with indigenous yeasts occurs in stainless tanks. 20% of the wine is aged in oak barrels of 1500 liters with battonage every 10 days, while the remaining 80% ages in steel tanks with battonage every 20 days. After eight months the two parts are blended and bottled.
  Alcohol Content: 12.5% vol.
  Tasting notes: Intense yellow color, wide, spicy aroma with hints of citrus, almond, exotic fruit and hints of white peach and white pepper. This is a powerful wine to taste, structured, with good acidity and harmonious fruit and spice; the typical almond aftertaste and exotic fruit is very persistent.
  Serving Suggestions: This particular Friulano from Specogna really showcases how the mineral-rich soil yields a crisp, zesty wine that, when combined with the expertise of local winemakers, explodes in flavor with notes of pear. This wine pairs wonderfully with food in general, and begs for seafood!

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Pinot Grigio Ramato (2019)

Specogna

$27.00

• Description
• Details

• This wine is sure to be a conversation-starter, you won’t believe you are looking at a Pinot Grigio. The unique light pink color with coppery highlights is the result of prolonged contact with the skins of the grapes during cellar fermentation. Refreshing fruit and flowery undertones complement this gorgeous wine that is sure to impress, you can’t find anything else like it!

• Typology: White wine (Orange Wine) – DOC Collio
  Production area: Rocca Bernarda and San Giovanni al Natisone
  Grape variety: 100% Pinot Grigio
  Soil composition: Marl, sandstone and clay
  Planting Year: 1987
  Harvesting: by hand in 10 kilogram boxes. De-stemming and soft crushing
  Fermentation and refinery: 48 hours of maceration at low temperature - in this phase the wine obtain its particularly coppery color. Racking and fermentation with indigenous yeasts occurs in stainless tanks. 20% of the wine is aged in oak barrels of 1500 liters with battonage every 10 days, while the remaining 80% ages in steel tanks with battonage every 20 days. After eight months the two parts are blended and bottles.
  Alcohol Content: 12.5% vol.
  Tasting notes: The unique light pink color with coppery highlights is the result of prolonged contact with the skins of the grapes during cellar fermentation. The aroma yields notes of flowers and fruits such as apple, pear and berries. Tasting yields sweet and creamy notes through which an intense and persistent fruity sensation emerges.

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Ronco Nolè (2017)

di Lenardo

$22.00

• Description
• Details

• This wine is a blend of three grapes: Merlot, Cabernet, and Refosco (an ancient Italian varietal native only to Friuli). It is easy to drink and can be sipped as a pre-dinner “aperitivo” – the Refosco really gives this blend a distinct and wonderful flavor and body. A great way to introduce you to the Refosco variety, this wine can be enjoyed now, or aged for a few years. If you are looking for something new without venturing too far away from the classics, this wine is sure to win you over!
• Typology: Red wine blend
  Production area: Dolegna del Collio
  Grape variety: 50% Merlot, 25% Refosco, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
  Harvesting: By hand
  Fermentation and refinery: Once the grapes have been separated from the stems, the cool temperature maceration / fermentation phase is completed within around 20 days. The wine is left to settle after the pressing process, then it is racked into stainless steel tanks where it goes through the natural process of malo-lactic fermentation, which is the conversion of harsher Malic acid to a softer Lactic acid. The presence of Lactic acid promotes a subtle rounder wine that is pleasantly mellow and less abrasive to the palate. The wine is drawn off the lees and then aged for 12 months in small American oak barrels.
  Alcohol content: 13% vol.
  Temperature for serving: 23°C
  Tasting notes: Intense ruby red, the palate reveals a wealth of soft, fine-grained tannins; great breadth of flavor, mouth-filling weight and superb intensity.
  Serving Suggestions: A fine accompaniment for haute cuisine meat dishes, white and red meat roasts, poultry, and furred or feathered game. Recommended serving by 2019 (it won't be unopened that long in your cellar anyway!).

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Sauvignon (2018)

Specogna

$28.00

• Description
• Details

•  
  Gold medals all around, this delightful white is easy to drink and has the perfect WOW! factor that truly sets it apart. Looking for the perfect companion for a warm day or a fresh fish dish? This elegant sauvignon, with citrus notes of grapefruit, pineapple, yellow peppers and touches of tomato leaves will satisfy your palate, especially on a hot summer day! 
   

• Typology: White wine
  Production area: Rocca Bernarda
  Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon 
  Soil composition: Marl, sandstone 
  Harvesting: by hand in 10 kilogram boxes. De-stemming and soft crushing.
  Fermentation and Refinery: Then the wine is immediately cooled to 7-8 ° C. 6 hours of maceration at a low temperature. Racking and coldhousing for 5 days followed by alcoholic fermentation. 10% of the wine is fermented and aged in oak barrels of 1500 liters with battonage every 10 days, while the remaining 90% is fermented and aged in steel tanks with battonage every 20 days. After eight months the two parts are joined together and bottled.
  Alcohol Content: 13% vol. 
  Temperature for Serving: 12-14°C
  Tasting notes: Firmly structured, intense, voluminous, crunchy with a good acid level; with complex, intense varietal sensation and a persistent lingering aftertaste.
  Serving Suggestions: This crisp wine is great by itself poolside, but is also complimentary to vegetable soups, asparagus, and marinated fish dishes.

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Gioire (2018)

Genio

$27.00

• Description
• Details

• Gioire means "to be joyful" in Italian, and this wine will bring lots of joy to your glass! This 100% Friulano is a classic expression of this historic local varietal, with almond notes, and is a great introduction to the varietal. 
• Typology: White wine 
  Production area: Colli Orientali del Friuli 
  Grape variety: 100% Friulano
  Harvesting: By hand in September
  Fermentation and refinery: The bunches are gently pressed and after 25 days of fermentation (1/3 in oak barriques and 2/3 in stainless steel tank), it is fermented 9 months to age on the lees. After bottling, the wine ferments for an additional 2-3 months in the bottle.
  Alcohol content: 13.5% vol.
  Temperature for serving: 12-14°C (53-57°F)
  Tasting notes: Pale straw yellow color with greenish hints. Strong and round taste, with characteristic notes of almonds, chamomile and wildflowers. Slightly lower acidity than the other whites in the range.
  Serving Suggestions: Perfect with cured meats, splendid with vegetables.

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Malvasia (2018)

Bortolusso

$18.00

• Description
• Details

• Looking for something different? This Malvasia, an ancient varietal and the richest of the Madiera grape family, is a deeply colored wine with a big body and an intensely nutty character, expressing notes of orange peel and dried fruits.
• Typology: White wine
  Production area: Friuli Annia
  Grape variety: 100% Malvasia
  Planting System: Goujot or Capuccina
  Harvesting: By hand and mechanical, late September
  Fermentation and refinery: Must from the soft crushed grapes is cooled down and allowed to settle before racking and inoculation with cultured yeasts. Fermentation is carried out at a controlled temperature.
  Temperature for Serving: 8-10 °C
  Tasting notes: Straw yellow with greenish highlights. A dry wine with tropical fruits and spices.
  Serving Suggestions: Beautiful with Cioppino and any fish stew, grilled crustaceans and risotto.

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Pinot Nero (2020)

Corazza

$15.00

• Description
• Details

• This wine is brought to you directly by the founders of Friuli Italian Wines! This special brand pinot noir, called Pinot Nero in Italy, is aged in stainless steel tanks, yielding a light, bright, and easy-drinking version of this varietal - a welcome and unexpected change from the classic, California style, jammy pinot noir.
• Typology: Red Wine
  Production area: Friuli Venezia Giulia
  Grape variety: 100% Pinot noir
  Fermentation and refinery: Wine pressing and removal of the grape stalks, introduction in automatic wine-making vessels for the fermentation which is activated by selected yeasts, soaking for about 8 days by controlled temperature.
  Alcohol content: 12% vol.
  Temperature for serving: 18°C
  Tasting notes: Bright, delicate, balanced acidity, slight fruit undertones.
  Serving Suggestions: Pasta, poultry, game, roasted meats, strong cheeses.

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Cabernet Franc (2017)

Castelvecchio

$26.00

• Description
• Details

• The market is finally ready for a 100% Cabernet Franc! The beauty of this grape is it takes on the characteristics of the territory it is grown in. While we may be accustomed to Cabernet Franc from California or France, the production coming out of North Eastern Italy creates a whole other experience.   The herbaceous note that characterizes this red wine of great class fades with aging, becoming ethereal, with composite tonalities. The initial famous ruby color melts with time into silken aristocratic reflections. The bouquet maintains the herbaceous fragrance of the wooden barrel even in the bottle. The taste is generous, soft, and velvety.

• Typology: Red Wine
  Production area: Carso
  Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Franc
  Fermentation and refinery: Ruby red with aristocratic almost silky reflexes.
  Alcohol content: 13.0% vol.
  Tasting notes: Ruby red with aristocratic almost silky reflexes. The bouquet maintains a certain herbaceous fragrance accentuated by the wooden permanence that gives a spicy note. On the palate, it is full, velvety, and spicy with long persistence.
  Serving Suggestions: Pairs perfectly with white roasted meat and wild game fowl.

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Cabernet Sauvignon (2017)

Castelvecchio

$26.00

• Description
• Details

• Cabernet Sauvignon is the most structured and important wine of the Castelvecchio winery and comes from the last grapes harvested at the end of October.This 100% Cabernet Sauvignon captures the essence of Friuli and Castelvecchio's unique location between the Gulf of Trieste and the Julian Alps. 

• Typology: Red Wine
  Production area: Carso
  Grape variety: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon
  Fermentation and refinery: First 4 months in stainless steal containers to complete the malolactic fermentation and to favor tartaric precipitation; 1 year in small barriques of 225/350/550 litres of Franch, Californian and Austria oaks; 1 year in 7,5, 15 e 25 Hl barrels of Slavonian, Franch and Austrian oaks; 4/6 months in bottles before being traded.
  Alcohol content: 13.0% vol.
  Tasting notes: Intense ruby red color with brown almost dark nuances, which improve the wine structure. On the nose this wine expresses vanilla, raspberry, mature fruits and spices flavors of strong intensity. On the palate, this wine is warm, velvety, soft and complex, with long persistence and great structure.
  Serving Suggestions: This cabernet sauvignon perfectly accompanies meats of every kind.

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Terrano (2017)

Castelvecchio

$25.00

• Description
• Details

• Terrano belongs to the family of Refosco d'Istria, a red native varietal from Friuli. Terrano is a typical grape of the Carso region, which has always produced this varietal with “wild” notes and a unique personality! This wine can be aged for 7-10 years when the bottle is kept properly.
• Typology: Red Wine
  Production area: Carso
  Grape variety: 100% Terrano
  Fermentation and refinery: After 9 months in stainless steel containers (without malolactic fermentation), the wine remains other 3 months in bottles before its sale starts.
  Alcohol content: 12.0% vol.
  Tasting notes: Intense ruby red color when young, with violet undertones; by maturing, the color tones down. Wild scents of black-berry, bilberry, wild-cherry and plums. Rather acidic (from the presence of malic acid), exuberant and lively.
  Temperature for Serving: 16-18 °C
  Serving Suggestions: The limited tannins and the moderate alcohol content, even if with a steady acidity, make this Terrano appropriate for delicatessen and salted meat. When young, this wine is a perfect accompaniment to fish.

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Pinot Grigio (2020)

Buzzinelli

$22.00

• Description
• Details

• Pinot Grigio has become the global synonym of Italian white wine. And in the hills of Friuli, it achieves is maximum expression. Experience a firm temperament skillfully combined with delicate attention to detail, which translates into a special Pinot Grigio that offers a new vibrancy. Produced by Buzzinelli. 
• Typology: White wine 
  Production area: Gramogliano 
  Grape variety: 100% Pinot Grigio 
  Harvesting: By hand in September.
  Training System: Double arched canes
  Fermentation and refinery: Brief maceration, soft pressing, static settling and fermentation in stainless steel for 6 months at controlled temperature; maturing on the lees until March.
  Alcohol Content: 13.5% vol.
  Temperature for Serving
  Tasting notes: Pale straw yellow with light green highlights. The aroma is flowery, elegant and polished. It's dry and full with a pleasantly bitter finish.
  Serving Suggestions: Fantastic with cold appetizers, vegetable soups and creamy soup, pasta dishes with vegetables or fish or white meat.

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Pinot Grigio Villa San Martino (2019)

Cabert

$13.00

• Description
• Details

• A staple of Italian wines, this pinot grigio from Friuli is balanced and slightly fruity, with hints of nuts and toasted bread.
• Typology: White dry wine 
  Production area: D.O.C. Colli Orientali del Friuli 
  Grape variety: 100% pinot grigio 
  Fermentation and refinery: the must is fermented separately from the skins by soft pressing, fermentation is activated by selected yeasts, average duration 8-10 days at a temperature of 16°C - 19°C.
  Alcohol Content: 12.5% vol.
  Tasting notes: This pinot grigio is pale with hints of yellow in the color. It is fruity yet balanced, with hints of nuts and toasted bread.
  Serving Suggestions: A young wine, pairs well with soups, fish, and white meat.

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Pro Fondo (NV)

Specogna

$16.00

• Description
• Details

• Don't be scared of an unfiltered beauty! The "new unfiltered prosecco" - although not called Prosecco due to being produced outside the Prosecco region of Italy, this sparkling wine from Specogna winery is made of 100% Glera grapes like a traditional prosecco, yet reflects the minerality and flavors of the Friuli region.
• Typology: White sparkling wine
  Production area: Friuli Venezia Giulia
  Grape variety: 100% Glera
  Harvesting: By hand
  Fermentation and refinery: ‘Long’ Charmat method, fermentation in autoclaves. The wine presents sediments and yeasts, as it is unfiltered.
  Temperature for Serving: Cold! 7-8 °C
  Alcohol Percentage:11%
  Tasting notes: Hints of green apple and banana, peach.
  Serving Suggestions: Fresh and perfect by itself before a meal or by the pool. It also stands up well with cheese or light dishes.

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Friulano (2019)

Ronc dai Luchis

$25.00

• Description
• Details

• After Italy's loss of a lawsuit, "Friulano" became the new name of "Tocai", a wine produced usually in a sweet form in Hungary. This varietal, native to the area of the Austro-Hungarian Empire crossing into the borders of what is now Friuli is dry and delicate with slight undertones of wildflowers and almonds and good structure.
• Typology: White wine
  Production area: Friuli Venezia Giulia
  Grape variety: 100% Friulano
  Harvesting: Manual from late August to early September
  Fermentation and refinery: De-stemmed, then softly pressed and aged in stainless steel for 5 months, where it is contact with the lees for texture
  Temperature for Serving: 12°C
  Alcohol Percentage:13.5%
  Tasting notes: Fine, delicate wine, with an intense aroma reminiscent of wild flowers, with a dry, soft taste and good structure.
  Serving Suggestions: Excellent as an aperitif, for appetizers, with fish and white meat.

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Sparkling Rosé

San Martino

$15.00

• Description
• Details

• Sparkling rosé, need we say more? This bubbly is easy drinking with fresh fruits and flowers on the palate and a medium acidity. Good for anywhere, anytime!
• Typology: Brut sparkling rosé
  Production area: Treviso province of Veneto on the hills between the towns of Conegliano and Valdobbiadene. 
  Grape variety: 100% Pinot Nero
  Fermentation and refinery: ‘Long’ Charmat method, fermentation in autoclave.
  Temperature for Serving: 7 – 8°C (44.5 – 45.5°F)
  Alcohol Percentage:12.5%
  Tasting notes: Brut Rose Pinot, easy to drink. Fresh fruits and flowers notes in Taste. Medium balanced finish, pleasant acidity.
  Pairing Suggestions: Excellent as an aperitif, pairs well with cheese and fruit.

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Tramonti Sauvignon (2018)

Specogna

$16.00

• Description
• Details

• Meaning “sunset” in Italian, this “Tramonti” Sauvignon is from the winery Specogna, but from a special line of wines produced under the different label, Toblar. This sauvignon is made from batches of grapes spanning the entire vineyard property, and represent the whole area of Friuli in only one bottle.
• Typology: White wine D.O.C.
  Production area: Colli Orientali del Friuli, Isonzo, Grave.
  Grape variety: 100% Sauvignon Blanc
  Fermentation and refinery: Fermentation takes place at 15°C in stainless steel fermenters, and the wine is bottled in late winter.
  Temperature for Serving: 12-14°C, 54-57°F
  Alcohol Percentage:12.5%
  Tasting notes: Straw yellow with pale green highlights, this sauvignon is delicate and aromatic, showing crisp citrus and pungent herbs such as sage and mint, with a hint of herbaceous tomato leaf and green pepper. A faithful exemplar of the varietal, this wine has lively acidity and is appealing overall.
  Pairing Suggestions: Superb as an aperitif, also pairs well with appetizers of raw fish, oysters.

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Amaranthi (2016)

Castello di Buttrio

$19.00

• Description
• Details

• A different interpretation of the Pignolo grape, this wine is a perfect, harmonious, fruit forward interpretation of this tannic and full-bodied varietal. Making their US debut, Castello di Buttrio is the winery of Alessandra Felluga, daughter of Marco Felluga, and her three daughters.
• Typology: Red wine
  Grape variety: 100% Pignolo
  Harvesting: By hand, harvest date is decided on the basis of phenolic and aromatic ripeness monitored by laboratory tests and grape tasting
  Fermentation and refinery: Carbonic maceration in stainless steel, aging in bottle.
  Temperature for Serving: 10-12 °C
  Tasting notes: Fresh and intense in the mouth. Brilliant color, ruby red. Hints of berries: raspberries, blueberries, black cherry, wild strawberries in harmony with the tannic structure.
  Serving Suggestions: Excellent as an aperitif, or in combination with fish
  dishes and fresh cheese.

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Talento Argento (2015)

Pittaro

$22.00

• Description
• Details

• This sparkling wine is made using the Classic Method, with secondary fermentation in the bottle. Bread crust and exotic fruits characterize this bubbly that's perfect for the holiday season...or any season!

• Typology: Brut quality sparkling wine, classic method
  Production area: Friuli Grave
  Grape variety: 80% Chardonnay - 20% Pinot Blanc
  Fermentation and Refinery:  soft pressed, thermal control of the fermentation and immediate cleaning of the wine. The wine rests in steelt tanks before bottline. A small percentage of Pinot Blanc is fermented in barriques. Bottling and aging takes place in the late spring following the harvest to allow a quiet refermentation. The bottles are stacked and they remain "sur lie" for at least thirty months. "Remuage" and "degorgement" take place before realeasing the product to market.
  it rests 2 months in the cellar.
  Alcohol Content: 13% vol.
  Temperature for Serving: Cold! 4-6 °C
• Tasting notes: straw yellow with good intensity. The perlage is fine and persistent.
  On the nose, well-pronounced notes of bread crust combined with pleasant sensations of fruity and delicate mineral aromas. On the palate, this wine is fresh, well-structured, harmonious and balanced.
  Serving Suggestions: Wonderful as a pre-dinner aperitivo or paired with charcuterie plates.

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Tazzelenghe (2016)

Jacuss

$25.00

• Description
• Details

• A few words about "TAZZELENGHE": A native grape from Friuli though the precise area of origin is unknown. It was part of the multitude of original vineyards scattered in the Friuli region hills, today mostly gone. This grape was rediscovered along with Refosco and Schiopettino and is grown in different areas of the Colli Orientali hills in Friuli. The name itself it testament to the personality of this wine that is for the experienced and educated consumer. In fact, Tazzelenghe means "tongue cutter", a fully deserved designation for its unique quality.
  
• Typology: Red wine
  Grape variety: 100% Tazzelenghe
  Harvesting: Manual harvesting, soft pressing of the grapes, fermentation temperature at 26° -28° C, maceration on skins for 15-20 days, with several remontages to racking.
  Fermentation and refinery: The wine refines in barrels of massive oak of 225 litres, after 24 months is assembled. After 6 months from assembly, bottling. Refining in bottle for 6 months before marketing.
  Temperature for Serving: 18-20 °C
  Tasting notes: Intense red color with violet reflexes, strong in mouth. Tough and sturdy wine that softens itself during the normal processes of ageing related to barrel-ageing (condensation and oxidation of tannins). The purplish-red color, intense, vinous when young, dims to change in red with Garnet reflexes with ageing. The bouquet is ample and pleasant with mild hints of wood.
  Serving Suggestions: Wine indicated for roasts and braised. Goes well with sauces of white and red meats and game.

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Forment (2018)

Jacuss

$18.00

• Description
• Details

• A classic expression of this classic varietal, Forment takes the Friulano grape back to its origins. With its rich body and distinctive hints of almond along with flower and fruit, the Jacuss family brings back tradition with a bang!
  
• Typology: Still white wine
  Grape variety: 100% Friulano
  Fermentation and refinery: The wine is fermented with indigenous yeasts for 8 months, then bottled without filtration, to maintain the full integrity.
  Temperature for Serving: 10-12 °C
  Tasting notes: Pale yellow with slight palescence, intense bouquet reminiscent of wild flowers, with a pleasant almond aroma.
  Serving Suggestions: Best served as an aperitivo on its own or with a meat and cheese plate. Also great as an accompanyment for any lighter first course, including soup, pasta, or white meats.

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