Wines from Friuli

Rich bouquet of plums, sour cherries, graphite, flowers and minerals. Vibrant and highly precise, this muscular Refosco presents itself on the palate, one literally bites into the fruit and subsequently reveals an elegance on the palate, which, accompanied by well-dosed tannin and an enormous depth of fruit, leads to a never-ending finish. Monumental and subtle at the same time. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2018 Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is rosy and wickedly fresh with depths of dark raspberries, sage and hints of cracked black pepper. This washes across the palate with a staining wave of intense red and black fruits, drenching the senses in primary concentration. Deep and youthfully inward, the 2018 has building tannins that clench down hard through the finale while resonating with wild berries, licorice and penetrating spices. Yet, through it all, the Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso remains perfumed and lifted. A few years of cellaring will be necessary to enjoy this to its full effect." Vinous

Picolit is an old, autochthonous vine from Friuli with white, loose-berried grapes that suffer severely from trickling. Only some of the flowers are fertilised and only a few, very small berries ripen, in which the full expressive power of the vine is concentrated. Due to its rarity and exceptional characteristics, the vine was known throughout the imperial courts of Europe.

On 1 December 1973, Benito and Giannola Nonino created the first single-varietal grappa, Monovitigno Nonino, by distilling the pomace of the Picolit grape separately. To mark this 50th anniversary, a limited quantity of grappa was distilled separately from selected Picolit pomace from the 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017 harvests. This distillation process, which separates the first and last run, takes place very slowly so that the volatile components responsible for the fragrance can evaporate properly and then condense. This preserves the valuable organoleptic properties of the respective grape variety.

A single-varietal grappa of exceptional elegance, engaging, harmonious and multi-layered with a very long final. On the nose, it is reminiscent of honey-filled honeycombs, the scent of
field flowers, ripe quinces, young Moscato wine and freshly picked figs. The flavours are immediately confirmed on the palate, with hints of apricot, almonds and fresh bread crust. Paradisiacal! SUPERIORE.DE

L'Arcione Rosso, an elegant Friulian cuvée of Pignolo and Schiopettino, reveals a variety of aromas ranging from earthy to exotic on the nose. It is a highly expressive wine full of lively fruit and extraordinary complexity, its purity and race are breathtaking. This selection should be savoured at leisure! SUPERIORE.DE

"A perfumed red displaying aromas of raspberries, bark, orange rind and violets. It’s medium-bodied and firm on the palate with chalky tannins. Crushed-walnut character coming through at the end." James Suckling

Crème de cassis, graphite, smoke, new leather, spices and blackberry jam are some of the many notes that the Merlot Buri develops. Rich, multi-layered and creamy on the palate, it radiates remarkable depth. Nevertheless, it is less tannic and over-concentrated than in the past. Dark and of impressive finesse as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Merlot Buri is youthfully inward and intense, blending licorice with musky black currants, lavender and crushed stone. This is texturally thrilling, dense and enveloping with dark red and blue fruits that stain the palate. Mentholated herbs and mineral tones lift the fine-grain tannins. Built for the distance, this leaves a sage and chalky concentration that cakes the senses. The 2020 is a bruiser, holding its power in reserve." Vinous

The single-varietal Refosco "Cossut" is named after the vineyard of the same name. Like all of Miani's single-vineyard wines, it is only produced in very small quantities and impresses with its complexity, depth, elegance and magical fruit. Dark fruits, smoke and tar overwhelm the palate with soft, plush, velvety richness. It's amazing how weightless this full-bodied red wine really is. The red parade variety of Friuli leaves no room for further interpretation here. SUPERIORE.DE

"M" stands for Mario Schiopetto. This is the wine that the children have dedicated to their father for years and it is the undisputed white flagship of the winery. This exceptional Friulano with a dash of Riesling seduces with elegant aromas of white flowers, a little smoke and spirited fruit. Ingeniously balanced, fresh and of considerable length and great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Such clear mineral character here with peach-pit and dried-apple character. Very complex and subtle. It’s full-bodied with a tight, refined palate feel and length. It’s flinty and steely at the end with crushed stones." James Suckling

In the vast universe of Italian wine, we can name few red wines that inspire as much fascination, even awe, as those of Josko Gravner. And so Rosso Breg cannot be missing from our list of Italy's greatest red wines. Today's 2007 fermented for more than a year on the skins in wooden barrels, then in underground amphorae, after which it matured for five years in barrel and five more in bottle before being released. And yet it is the youngest red wine ever released from Josko's cellar!

Breg is a storm of deep ruby red with a garnet rim. Against a backdrop of tremendously powerful black fruits, it unfolds a strong mineral note accompanied by leather, ploughed earth, dark Cuban tobacco, black pepper and crushed rock. After some aeration, the earthy components recede and stunning aromas of black and red plums, liquorice and blackcurrants merge with a bouquet of freshly picked wild flowers. The palate is impressive, showing its captivating backbone and a skilfully balanced sense of energy and freshness. It is rare to have such a powerful red wine in the glass that drinks so elegantly, while also displaying such a high level of mineral complexity, firm structure and spicy dark fruits. SUPERIORE.DE

"Very deep ruby red. Salty, peppery dark fruit of immense depth, but which only unfolds with time in the glass. Old leather and a hint of soy sauce and liquorice. Deep red fruits on the palate with youthful acidity and lots of gravelly tannins that add a lot of depth. Long and opening finish with layers of spicy fruit and tannins. More of a sensory experience than a wine. Sensationally balanced." Jancis Robinson

"Plums, spices and mahogany. Bark and mushroom, too. Then some cinnamon and nutmeg. Dark chocolate. Full-bodied and chewy yet round and juicy. Rhubarb, black berries, and black olives. A rich and dry red. Chocolate powder and coffee beans." James Suckling

"The aromas of the 2008 Vino Rosso Breg can be glimpsed before the glass even leaves the table, with nuances of soaked plums and cloves rising effortlessly. As it swirls, it becomes darker and spicier as it gains volume and depth, releasing a complex array of ginger and curries before giving way to dusty roses, menthol, redcurrants and balsamic herbs. It glides across the palate like fine silk, caressing everything it touches with tart cherries and raspberries embellished by lavender and sage. All the while, the senses are saturated with fine tannins, yet sweet and chalky, creating a well-controlled tension that lingers on and on. The Gravner family is a true master of Pignolo, from the complexity of the fruit to the energy and its perfectly refined structure. Enjoy the 2008 now with decanting or cellar it for many years. It is a beauty." Vinous

Refosco from the smallest vineyard "La Mont di Zuc" impresses on the palate with a complex potpourri of plums, sour cherries, graphite, flowers and minerals. This towering, massive wine remains extraordinarily pristine: in fact, it tastes like biting into a perfectly ripened grape from this very special site! As it progresses, a deep, complex register develops, composed precisely to retain the famous Miani elegance and freshness that can only be achieved with the utmost care in the vineyard and cellar. SUPERIORE.DE

Fleshy and overripe on the still youthful nose, only gradually revealing spicy aromas, dried rose petals, bright red stone fruit and menthol. The palate is concentrated and supple with dense tannins and sweet fruit, full of energy, spicy and supple, with red and blue fruits in cool tones that ride on a wave of saline minerals. The zesty acidity makes your mouth water and finishes with dramatic length and a salty liquorice note that lingers indefinitely with fine-grained tannins. A benchmark Merlot with a great future. SUPERIORE.DE

The single-varietal Refosco "Cossut" is named after the vineyard of the same name. Like all of Miani's single-vineyard wines, it is only produced in very small quantities and impresses with its complexity, depth, elegance and magical fruit. Dark fruits, smoke and tar overwhelm the palate with soft, plush, velvety richness. It's amazing how weightless this full-bodied red wine really is. The red parade variety of Friuli leaves no room for further interpretation here. SUPERIORE.DE

Crème de cassis, graphite, smoke, new leather, spices and blackberry jam are some of the many notes that the Merlot Buri develops. Rich, multi-layered and creamy on the palate, it radiates remarkable depth. Nevertheless, it is less tannic and over-concentrated than in the past. Dark and of impressive finesse as it progresses. SUPERIORE.DE

ÙE La Riserva dei Cent'anni is a blend of grape distillates from different grape varieties aged for over fourteen years in barriques. The aroma is soft, lively and full-bodied with a slight hint of spices (saffron, cinnamon, curry, nutmeg) and hints of dried fruit. Warm, soft, round, persistent and velvety on the palate.

Serve ÙE La Riserva dei Cent'anni in a wide balloon-shaped glass to experience the perfect nose/palate harmony.

Bottled by hand in mouth-blown bottles. The fill level may vary as each bottle is unique. No added colourings. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, bright amber colour. Rich precious wood aroma, roasted hazelnut, ripe plum, lightly reminiscent of cold smoke. Initially very fresh and juicy on the palate, with fine precious wood flavours and a slightly bitter aroma reminiscent of gentian root, all very elegantly combined, with a juicy finish and animating bitterness." Falstaff

This unique Monovitigno Riserva matured for 18 years in barrique no. 419 made of Nevers oak. Intense amber colour, intense aroma of bitter almonds and sultanas. Fruity, full and round in the mouth, the olfactory impressions are confirmed.

The Tocai grapes from the Collio Friulano were harvested in 1988. From 9 August 1989 to 25 October 2007, ÙE Cru Tocai Collio matured in the cellars of the Noninos. The result was 453 Liters this elegant distillate, which was bottled by hand in 647 mouth-blown bottles. The fill level may vary, as each bottle is unique.

Unique in terms of innovation and research. Contrary to the Liters, which tends to advise neutral distillates to be aged in barriques, the typical characteristics of the Friulano grapes are retained in this way. SUPERIORE.DE

In 2024, the Nonino family presented the Nonino Riserva Aged 20 Years grappa matured under customs seal. There are 365 numbered bottles.

A rare and valuable grappa made from selected white and red grape pomace from Friuli with a natural smoky flavour, which Benito distils in a discontinuous copper steam still in the Nonino distilleries in Ronchi di Percoto. This grappa has then matured for 20 years since 2004 in a small barrique barrel sealed and constantly monitored by customs and the monopoly agency in the company's own ageing cellar.

Golden orange in the glass. Full and intense on the nose with notes of cream, honey, fruit, hints of orange, chocolate and a fine, natural smoky flavour. Full-bodied and persistent on the palate with a composition of apricot, cream, dried fruit, spices and pepper as well as a fine, natural smoky note and hints of sherry.

Glass bottle with hand-cut diamonds, hand-painted with 24-carat gold, handmade stopper made of glass and 24-carat gold. Decorated with a silver-plated chain. No added colourants. SUPERIORE.DE

"Elegant, bright amber colour. Fragrant on the nose, pure, of precious wood, citrus fruits, ripe plums, reminiscent of wet stone, some alcohol on the finish. Pure, juicy, straightforward on the palate, comes in several waves, bone-dry, delicate tannins provide pressure and structure, very well balanced, great distillate." Falstaff

Even if you consider yourself a Josko Gravner disciple, there is a good chance that you have never tasted or seen his epic red wine. Rujno is Josko Gravner's rarest and most age-worthy red wine: unlike the pure Rosso, Rujno matures twice as long and is only produced in exceptional vintages in vanishingly small quantities. It comes from a single old vineyard on the edge of Slovenia and consists mainly of Merlot with a dash of Cabernet, which matured for 84 months in the barrel and a further 84 months in the bottle before leaving the cellar. In total, over 15 years passed before it was released onto the market.

The special thing about its production: the destemmed grapes (95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) ferment for six months on their skins in conical Slavonian oak tanks, after which the wine rests for seven years in solid Slavonian oak barrels. And when it was then bottled, the ageing process was only half complete, as Gravner left it to mature for a further seven years before finally releasing it for sale.

And so this wine needs at least 60 minutes in the glass to blossom and unfold its countless subtleties. And only after two to three hours does it reveal aromas of black cherry, dried plum and blackcurrant, followed by liquorice and crushed black rock. Further on, traces of lead, fresh tobacco, smoke, charred bay leaf, old leather and garrigue. Although a relatively robust and wildly rustic red wine, this noble Bordeaux blend combined with 16 years of ageing makes for a subtle and medium-bodied palate full of remarkably supple and silky layers. The dark berry fruit shines through at all times, driven by a powerful core of crushed minerals, aniseed and espresso. SUPERIORE.DE

Even if you consider yourself a Josko Gravner disciple, there is a good chance that you have neither tasted nor seen his epic red wine. Rujno is Josko Gravner's rarest and most age-worthy red wine: unlike pure Rosso, Rujno ages twice as long and is only produced in exceptional vintages in vanishingly small quantities. It comes from a single old vineyard on the edge of Slovenia and consists mostly of Merlot with a dash of Cabernet, aged for over 84 months in barrel and another 84 months in bottle before leaving the cellar. In total, more than 15 years passed before it was brought to market.

What makes it special is that the destemmed grapes (95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) ferment for six months on their skins in conical Slavonian oak tanks, after which the wine rests for seven years in massive Slavonian oak barrels. And when it was bottled afterwards, the ageing process was only half complete, as Gravner let it mature for another seven years before finally releasing it for sale.

And so this wine also needs at least 60 minutes in the glass to blossom and unfold its myriad subtleties. And only after two to three hours does it reveal aromas of black cherry, dried plum and redcurrant, followed by liquorice and crushed black rock. As it progresses, traces of lead, fresh tobacco, smoke, charred bay leaf, old leather and garrigue. Although a relatively robust and wildly rustic red, this noble Bordeaux blend, combined with 16 years of ageing, makes for a subtle and medium-bodied palate full of remarkably supple and silky layers. The dark berry fruit shines through at all times, driven by a powerful core of crushed minerals, anise and espresso.

If you get the opportunity to get this wine, you should proceed according to the following principle: "Act now or forever hold your peace". With this in mind! SUPERIORE.DE

Even if you consider yourself a Josko Gravner disciple, there is a good chance that you have never tasted or seen his epic red wine. Rujno is Josko Gravner's rarest and most age-worthy red wine: unlike the pure Rosso, Rujno matures twice as long and is only produced in exceptional vintages in vanishingly small quantities. It comes from a single old vineyard on the edge of Slovenia and consists mainly of Merlot with a dash of Cabernet, which matured for 84 months in the barrel and a further 84 months in the bottle before leaving the cellar. In total, over 15 years passed before it was released onto the market.

The special thing about its production: the destemmed grapes (95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) ferment for six months on their skins in conical Slavonian oak tanks, after which the wine rests for seven years in solid Slavonian oak barrels. And when it was then bottled, the ageing process was only half complete, as Gravner left it to mature for a further seven years before finally releasing it for sale.

And so this wine needs at least 60 minutes in the glass to blossom and unfold its countless subtleties. And only after two to three hours does it reveal aromas of black cherry, dried plum and blackcurrant, followed by liquorice and crushed black rock. Further on, traces of lead, fresh tobacco, smoke, charred bay leaf, old leather and garrigue. Although a relatively robust and wildly rustic red wine, this noble Bordeaux blend combined with 16 years of ageing makes for a subtle and medium-bodied palate full of remarkably supple and silky layers. The dark berry fruit shines through at all times, driven by a powerful core of crushed minerals, aniseed and espresso. If you get the opportunity to get this wine, you should proceed according to the following principle: "Act now or forever hold your peace". With this in mind! SUPERIORE.DE

Unique in terms of innovation and research. Contrary to the Liters, which tends to advise aging more neutral distillates in barriques, this way the elegant fruity and floral characteristics of the Cabernet grapes are maintained. This unique Monovitigno Riserva matured for 18 years in barrique no. 60 made of Nevers oak. Intense amber in colour, it has a bouquet of apricot, apple and light jam that combines with almond, dried fruit and chocolate. Engaging and spicy in the mouth, the olfactory impressions are confirmed.

The Cabernet grapes from the Collio Friulano were harvested in 1997. Afterwards, ÙE Cru Cabernet Friuli matured in the cellars of the Noninos. The result was 265 Liters this elegant distillate, which was bottled by hand in 378 spherical bottles. The closure is refined with 24k gold. The fill level can vary, as each bottle is unique. No colouring agents are added. SUPERIORE.DE

In 2022, the Nonino family presented the ÙE Cru Schioppettino "18 anni" Monovitigno Riserva, matured for 18 years under customs seal in Nevers oak barrel no. 405. There are 460 numbered 0.70 litre bottles.

Natural, warm golden yellow colour. Enveloping on the nose, with an aroma of wild blackberries and light balsamic notes. Fruity and peppery on the palate with notes of honey and vanilla. Very elegant and persistent.

Ball bottle made of crystal glass with 24-carat gold screen printing, handmade stopper made of cork and metal with 24-carat gold coating. No added colourants. SUPERIORE.DE

Since the 2016 vintage, Livio Felluga's top wine Sossò has been maturing in the bottle for an extra year before being released for sale. This Riserva is a beautiful, rich and comforting red wine that is dense on the palate, imparting pretty cherry and dark fruit flavours with plenty of spice and tobacco. The extremely articulate flavour shoulders a convincing tannin portion and yet steers into an intensely fruity final with terrificlength. The wine simply glides forward with its unique feel and a dynamism that is slow and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich ruby red colour with a dark core. Pleasant aromas of plums, blackcurrant, blackberry, cloves and cedar on the nose. Fresh fruit on the palate, present fine-meshed tannins and a powerful final." Falstaff

"A medium-bodied red wine with plum and chocolate flavours and an underlying walnut character. Juicy and spicy." James Suckling

"Mesmerizing is the first thought that crosses the mind as the 2016 Sossó lifts from the glass with a bouquet of cedar shavings, minty herbs and white pepper, giving way to black raspberries and pine aromas. Silky and enveloping, yet lifted and racy in feel, this saturates the senses as an intense wave of tart wild berry fruits and saline minerals settle upon the palate. Wild blueberries, savory herbs and violet inner florals resonate throughout as the 2016 finishes staining, structured and incredibly long. It's a red wine that could only hail from Friuli." Vinous

Since the 2016 vintage, Livio Felluga's top wine Sossò has been maturing in the bottle for an extra year before being released for sale. This Riserva is a beautiful, rich and comforting red wine that is dense on the palate, imparting pretty cherry and dark fruit flavours with plenty of spice and tobacco. The extremely articulate flavour shoulders a convincing tannin portion and yet steers into an intensely fruity final with terrificlength. The wine simply glides forward with its unique feel and a dynamism that is slow and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright ruby colour with hints of purple. Hearty, fruity bouquet of juicy plums and cherries, plus liquorice, tobacco leaf and black pepper. Fresh but with tension on the palate, with bold fruit and very well-integrated tannins, very harmonious and long." Falstaff

"An opulent wine with multi-layered complexity. On the nose, there are fresh plums, black cherries, pressed flowers and leather. On the palate, graphite, medium body, crisp acidity and light but taut tannins that are soft at first and then chalky." James Suckling

For more than thirty years, Vie di Romans has been vinifying only its own grapes in order to respect and express the respective vineyards of origin. The crus "Piere", "Vieris", "Vie di Romans", "Ciampagnis", "Dessimis" and others embody the sensory quintessence of their grapes of origin, each with its own recognisable and enduring historical character.

With the ambitious project "I Climat" (traditional Burgundian term), Gianfranco Gallo wants to present the terroir expression of his wines in the truest and most authentic way. Each individual terroir offers a certain variability: it is up to the winemaker to decide whether to capture its unique essence or to use it in a more general way.

At Vie di Romans, the Chardonnay variety was chosen because it has an innate, genetic ability to connect in a very noticeable way with the different soil-climate complexes in which it grows. The six different Climat wines come from specific Chardonnay parcels within the two crus vineyards, Vie di Romans and Ciampagnis, and contain the names or name components of the families who farmed these vineyards in the distant past - Nuts, Goss, Curie, Glesie, Boghis and Cortesar. In the past, local properties were very parcelled out and, unlike today, were farmed by the same family or owner for generations.

It is important to mention that uniform viticulture and vinification practices were used in the vinification of all six site Chardonnays, so that no external factor could compromise the unique and natural expression. Each vintage (since the beginning of 2015) is the result of 18 months of "elevage sur lie" followed by two years of bottle ageing. The extended maturation period was deliberately chosen to allow the wine to develop the authentic sensory expression that a specific soil-climate unit is capable of producing.

Gianfranco Gallo is convinced that the true identity of a wine and the terroir that produces it only emerges through longevity, because it is only through this process that the wine discovers its inner balance, stability and unmistakable identity. SUPERIORE.DE

The strictly limited wooden box of 6 contains the following wines:

1x 0,75l "Goss" Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo DOC 2017 / 14,00 %vol
1x 0,75l "Cortesar" Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo DOC 2017 / 14,00 %vol
1x 0,75l "Boghis" Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo DOC 2017 / 14,00 %vol
1x 0,75l "Nuts" Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo DOC 2017 / 14,00 %vol
1x 0,75l "Curie" Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo DOC 2017 / 14,00 %vol
1x 0,75l "Glesie" Chardonnay Friuli Isonzo DOC 2017 / 14,50 %vol

Even if you consider yourself a Josko Gravner disciple, there is a good chance that you have neither tasted nor seen his epic red wine. Rujno is Josko Gravner's rarest and most age-worthy red wine: unlike pure Rosso, Rujno ages twice as long and is only produced in exceptional vintages in vanishingly small quantities. It comes from a single old vineyard on the edge of Slovenia and consists mostly of Merlot with a dash of Cabernet, aged for over 84 months in barrel and another 84 months in bottle before leaving the cellar. In total, more than 15 years passed before it was brought to market.

What makes it special is that the destemmed grapes (95% Merlot, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon) ferment for six months on their skins in conical Slavonian oak tanks, after which the wine rests for seven years in massive Slavonian oak barrels. And when it was bottled afterwards, the ageing process was only half complete, as Gravner let it mature for another seven years before finally releasing it for sale.

And so this wine also needs at least 60 minutes in the glass to blossom and unfold its myriad subtleties. And only after two to three hours does it reveal aromas of black cherry, dried plum and redcurrant, followed by liquorice and crushed black rock. As it progresses, traces of lead, fresh tobacco, smoke, charred bay leaf, old leather and garrigue. Although a relatively robust and wildly rustic red, this noble Bordeaux blend, combined with 16 years of ageing, makes for a subtle and medium-bodied palate full of remarkably supple and silky layers. The dark berry fruit shines through at all times, driven by a powerful core of crushed minerals, anise and espresso.

If you get the opportunity to get this wine, you should proceed according to the following principle: "Act now or forever hold your peace". With this in mind! SUPERIORE.DE