Italian Wines Part 2: Friuli-Venezia-Giulia and Veneto
Last week we focused primarily on wines from Piedmont. We will come back to do a Barollo and Barbaresco side by side next week along with wines from southern Italy
Menu:
Prosciutto and melon
Truffle cheese and many more
Minestrone Milanese Soup from "The Secret of Jesuit Soupmaking: A Year of Our Soups" by Brother Rick Curry, S.J. Penguin Compass @2002 pg 114 &115.
Wine for February 20, 2018
More Information
90 points from James Suckling: Plenty of fruit and intensity with sliced lemon and apple character. Medium body. Fresh finish. Light bubble. Dry.
More information from The WineBow Group Located in the heart of the famous Prosecco territory between Conegliano and Valdobiadene, Zardetto has been a leader in sparkling wine for more than 40 years. This vibrant and refreshing off-dry Prosecco is produced from carefully selected grapes grown on the finest hilltop vineyards, after which Zardetto’s state-of-the-art winery blends modern techniques and traditional practices that result in an acclaimed brut. As one of the first companies to introduce and distribute Prosecco....
2014 MCDX Fruiliano Comelli 13% abv $26.99
Varietal: 100% Tocai Friulano
Region: Friuli
A tradition from Friuli. Its complexity and minerality make it one of the most interesting varieties grown on the hills of this region. Dry white wine, D.O.C. Friuli Colli Orientali Varieties - Tocai Friulano 100% Vineyard location - ?Sot La Mont? and ?Cjucule?, Parco della Vite e del Vino, Friuli Colli Orientali, in the villages of Colloredo di Soffumbergo (Faedis) and Togliano. Soil type - Calcareous marl. Vine training system - Guyot Harvest - Grapes are hand-picked and put in small cases. The harvest usually takes place the second/third week of September. Vinification - Destemmed grapes are put in stainless…
2013 Scarbolo Raxmalto Pinot Grigio IGT14% abv $24.99
Grape Varietal: Pinot Grigio
Region: Venezia Giulia
Side note: This is a big wine that needs food. Not a deck wine. Quite a unique experience. This wine tasted much softer the next day.
Menu:

Truffle cheese and many more
Minestrone Milanese Soup from "The Secret of Jesuit Soupmaking: A Year of Our Soups" by Brother Rick Curry, S.J. Penguin Compass @2002 pg 114 &115.
Wine for February 20, 2018
- Zardetto Z Brut Prosecco DOC 11.5% abv $17.99
Varietal: 95% Presecco & 5% Chardonnay
Region: Veneto. Conegliano - 2014 MCDX Fruiliano Comelli DOC 13% abv $26.99Varietal: 100% Tocai FriulanoRegion: Friuli
- 2013 Scarbolo Raxmalto Pinot Grigio IGT $24.99Grape Varietal: Pinot GrigioRegion: Venezia Giulia
- 2012 Masut Da Rive Isonzo del Friuli Refosco Dal Peduncolo Rosso DOC $24.99Grape Varietal: Refosco dal Peduncolo rossoRegion: Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- 2016 Valpolicella Allegrini DOC $16.99Varietals: Corvina Veronese 70%, Rondinella 25%, Oseleta 5%Region: Veneto. Valpolicella subregion
- 2016 Azienda Agricola Cavalchina Bardolino DOC 12.5% abv $14.99Grape Varietal: Refosco dal Peduncolo rosso
Zardetto Z Brut Prosecco DOC 11.5% abv $17.99
Varietal: 95% Presecco & 5% Chardonnay
Region: Veneto. Conegliano
Side note: great aperitif, refreshing
Varietal: 95% Presecco & 5% Chardonnay
Region: Veneto. Conegliano
Side note: great aperitif, refreshing
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: Clear, pale appearance, white lemon color, bubbles
Nose: Clean, medium(-) intensity with delicate, simple and fresh aromas of green apple and apricot.
Palate: Off-dry, medium acidity and alcohol, Medium(-) body, creamy mousse, Medium(-) flavor intensity and finish. The flavor was primarily apricot with wet stone minerality.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity). Good quality
Level of readiness to drink. Drink now
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We added these 2 white wines |
90 points from James Suckling: Plenty of fruit and intensity with sliced lemon and apple character. Medium body. Fresh finish. Light bubble. Dry.
More information from The WineBow Group Located in the heart of the famous Prosecco territory between Conegliano and Valdobiadene, Zardetto has been a leader in sparkling wine for more than 40 years. This vibrant and refreshing off-dry Prosecco is produced from carefully selected grapes grown on the finest hilltop vineyards, after which Zardetto’s state-of-the-art winery blends modern techniques and traditional practices that result in an acclaimed brut. As one of the first companies to introduce and distribute Prosecco....
2014 MCDX Fruiliano Comelli 13% abv $26.99
Varietal: 100% Tocai Friulano
Region: Friuli
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: The wine is pale lemon.
Nose: The wine has medium intensity. The aromas are blossom, green apple, grapefruit and grass. Dianne added lime and flint.
Palate: The wine is off-dry with medium(+) acidity, medium alcohol, medium body, flavor and finish. The flavors are of tomato leaf, toast and dried apricot. Dianne added ginger.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity). The quality is good. Drink now
Level of readiness to drink. Drink now not suitable for further aging.
More Information
Information below from Simple Farmer WinesA tradition from Friuli. Its complexity and minerality make it one of the most interesting varieties grown on the hills of this region. Dry white wine, D.O.C. Friuli Colli Orientali Varieties - Tocai Friulano 100% Vineyard location - ?Sot La Mont? and ?Cjucule?, Parco della Vite e del Vino, Friuli Colli Orientali, in the villages of Colloredo di Soffumbergo (Faedis) and Togliano. Soil type - Calcareous marl. Vine training system - Guyot Harvest - Grapes are hand-picked and put in small cases. The harvest usually takes place the second/third week of September. Vinification - Destemmed grapes are put in stainless…
A tradition from Friuli. Its complexity and minerality make it one of the most interesting varieties grown on the hills of this region.
Dry white wine, D.O.C. Friuli Colli Orientali
Varieties – Tocai Friulano 100%
Vineyard location – ?Sot La Mont? and ?Cjucule?, Parco della Vite e del Vino, Friuli Colli Orientali, in the villages of Colloredo di Soffumbergo (Faedis) and Togliano.
Soil type – Calcareous marl.
Vine training system – Guyot
Harvest – Grapes are hand-picked and put in small cases. The harvest usually takes place the second/third week of September.
Vinification – Destemmed grapes are put in stainless steel tanks for 24 hours at a low temperature (cryomaceration) before being gently crushed. The juice then undergoes decantation for 8-12 hours, after which fermentation starts at a controlled temperature (16-18 ?C). The wine is then kept with total yeast levels until spring before being bottled.
Tasting notes – A typical wine from the region of Friuli. Dry, dulcet, nicely balanced, it has a pleasing yellow-straw colour with golden reflections. It has a harmonic and fruity bouquet that leaves an aftertaste of almond, wildflower and white peach notes. These aromas reiterate a full and delicate taste on the palate that is fresh, fruity and inviting.
Pairings – Great with San Daniele prosciutto crudo (the classic match), soup and fish appetizers or white meat dishes. Especially interesting with asian/spicy food. Also great as an aperitif.
Dry white wine, D.O.C. Friuli Colli Orientali
Varieties – Tocai Friulano 100%
Vineyard location – ?Sot La Mont? and ?Cjucule?, Parco della Vite e del Vino, Friuli Colli Orientali, in the villages of Colloredo di Soffumbergo (Faedis) and Togliano.
Soil type – Calcareous marl.
Vine training system – Guyot
Harvest – Grapes are hand-picked and put in small cases. The harvest usually takes place the second/third week of September.
Vinification – Destemmed grapes are put in stainless steel tanks for 24 hours at a low temperature (cryomaceration) before being gently crushed. The juice then undergoes decantation for 8-12 hours, after which fermentation starts at a controlled temperature (16-18 ?C). The wine is then kept with total yeast levels until spring before being bottled.
Tasting notes – A typical wine from the region of Friuli. Dry, dulcet, nicely balanced, it has a pleasing yellow-straw colour with golden reflections. It has a harmonic and fruity bouquet that leaves an aftertaste of almond, wildflower and white peach notes. These aromas reiterate a full and delicate taste on the palate that is fresh, fruity and inviting.
Pairings – Great with San Daniele prosciutto crudo (the classic match), soup and fish appetizers or white meat dishes. Especially interesting with asian/spicy food. Also great as an aperitif.
2013 Scarbolo Raxmalto Pinot Grigio IGT14% abv $24.99
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Had to capture the color of the Scarbolo Raxmalto Pinot Grigio |
Region: Venezia Giulia
Side note: This is a big wine that needs food. Not a deck wine. Quite a unique experience. This wine tasted much softer the next day.
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: The wine is medium amber.
Nose: The wine has medium(+) intensity. The aromas are rose, red apple, dried apricot, and charred wood
Palate: This wine is dry with medium acidity, medium(-) tannin, medium alcohol, and medium(+) body. It has a medium(+) flavor intensity and a medium(+) finish. The flavors are raspberry, smoke, green pepper and coffee.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity). This wine is very good.
Level of readiness to drink. Can drink now but has potential for aging.
More Information
VINIFICATION:
50% of the fruit is destemmed, and left on the skins for 4 days of maceration at a controlled temperature of 17 - 19°C, allowing for partial fermentation. After soft pressing, 30% of the juice completes its fermentation in 500 L oak barrels, and the remaining juice in stainless steel tanks. The other half of the fruit harvested is destemmed and left on the skins for two days of cold maceration. After pressing, this juice is transferred to stainless steel tanks for fermentation.
AGING: Aged for 18 months on the noble lees in stainless steel and oak tonneaux with frequent batonnages. Bottle aged for 6 months.
TASTING NOTES: A rich copper color with brilliant highlights and an oily consistency. Ripe cantaloupe, papaya, and mandarin rind, with notes of “Millefiori” honey. On the palate, creamy, persistent and elegant with a generous minerality. Pair with raw seafood and shellfish, prosciutto and melon, risotto, pasta dishes and cheese. Serve at 54 - 57°F.
AGING: Aged for 18 months on the noble lees in stainless steel and oak tonneaux with frequent batonnages. Bottle aged for 6 months.
TASTING NOTES: A rich copper color with brilliant highlights and an oily consistency. Ripe cantaloupe, papaya, and mandarin rind, with notes of “Millefiori” honey. On the palate, creamy, persistent and elegant with a generous minerality. Pair with raw seafood and shellfish, prosciutto and melon, risotto, pasta dishes and cheese. Serve at 54 - 57°F.
2016 Azienda Agricola Cavalchina Bardolino DOC 12.5% abv
Grape Varietal: Valpolicella Blend: Corvina (60%), Rondinella (30%) en Molinara (10%).
Region Ventino
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: The wine is medium ruby.
Nose; The wine has a medium(+) intensity. The aromas are of blueberry, black cherry, and vanilla.
Palate: The wine is dry with medium(-) acidity, medium tannin, medium alcohol, and medium body. It has medium(+) flavor intensity and a medium(+) finish. The flavors are black cherry chocolate and leather.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity). The wine is very good.
Level of readiness to drink. Can drink now but has potential for aging.
More Information
From Cavalchina The grapes used for this wine mature late and it is necessary for there to be good climatic conditions at the end of the season to realize the potential of these grapes. The harvesting is manual and the grapes are then immediately destemmed and pressed.
To ensure these characteristics the temperature of the grapes initially reaches 25/28°C and then it is lowered to 18/20°C. The alcoholic fermentation takes 10/12 days and is followed by the malolactic fermentation.
Bardolino is kept in stainless steel vats and remains in contact with its lees, which are regularly stirred until March when the wine is bottled.It is not too deep in colour but has an intense fruity bouquet, with special nuances of cherry and wild cherry. On the palate it has a persistent peppery, spicy character. It is excellent also at a temperature of 15/16°C and matches well with first courses, white meats and also some seafoods, especially with Baccalà.
To ensure these characteristics the temperature of the grapes initially reaches 25/28°C and then it is lowered to 18/20°C. The alcoholic fermentation takes 10/12 days and is followed by the malolactic fermentation.
Bardolino is kept in stainless steel vats and remains in contact with its lees, which are regularly stirred until March when the wine is bottled.It is not too deep in colour but has an intense fruity bouquet, with special nuances of cherry and wild cherry. On the palate it has a persistent peppery, spicy character. It is excellent also at a temperature of 15/16°C and matches well with first courses, white meats and also some seafoods, especially with Baccalà.
2016 Valpolicella Allegrini DOC 13% abv $16.99
Varietals: Corvina Veronese 70%, Rondinella 25%, Oseleta 5%
Region: Veneto. Valpolicella subregion
Side note: I loved the aroma. This tasted great with truffle cheese.
Varietals: Corvina Veronese 70%, Rondinella 25%, Oseleta 5%
Region: Veneto. Valpolicella subregion
Side note: I loved the aroma. This tasted great with truffle cheese.
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: The wine is medium garnet
Nose: The wine has medium(+) intensity. The aromas are violet, red cherry and vanilla.
Palate: The wine is dry with high acidity, medium tannin, high alcohol, medium body and a medium(+) finish. The flavors are of cranberry, toast, chocolate, preserved fruit and nutmeg. Dianne added wet leaves.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity). The wine is very good.
Level of readiness to drink. Can drink now but has potential to age.
2012 Masut Da Rive Isonzo del Friuli Refosco Dal Peduncolo Rosso DOC 13.5% abv $24.99
Grape Varietal: Refosco dal Peduncolo rosso
My Tasting Notes:
Appearance: The wine is deep garnet
Nose: The wine has pronounced intensity. The aromas are dark cherry, licorice, leather and cedar.
Palate: The wine is dry with medium acidity, high tannin, medium alcohol, medium(+) body. It has pronounced flavor and a medium(+) finish. The flavors are cherry, dried cherry, leather, earth, smoke and chocolate.
Assessment of Quality (balance, intensity, length and complexity). The wine is good.
Level of readiness to drink. Can drink now but has potential to age.
More Information
Fermentation: Long maceration at controlled temperatures, with frequent pumping over to encourage tannic and polyphenolic extraction from the skins.
Aging: For six months in second passage barriques and for three months in stainless steel tanks.
Vinification: After racking, the skins are softly pressed and the wine undergoes a decanting before being refined.
Color: Ruby red with violet reflections.
Bouquet: Fresh and intense, reminiscent of underbrush fruits. Fresh vintage wine, therefore very fruity on the nose.
Taste: The palate is decided thanks to the great structure. Leaves the classic acidulous notes of the vine.
Gastronomic matches: It is recommended for red meat and game dishes.
Alcohol content: 13% Vol
Possibility of aging: 8 -10 years
Serving temperature: 18-20 ° C
FORMAT: 75 CL
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