Wines from Friuli

Antonio Bragato, born in Germany but with an absolute Friulian identity, joined forces 20 years ago with Gianni Maccari, who was cellar master at Livio Felluga for many years and founded his own winery Ronco della Rocca at the beginning of the millennium. Maccari, who has a degree in agronomy and Oenologist, is considered one of the best-trained viticultural experts in Friuli. The profound knowledge of his own 12 hectares of vineyards as well as the leased plots and the radical precision in the execution of every operation characterise the clear style and the reliable quality of the wines that Antonio Bragato creates there together with him.

From the 2019 vintage, Bragato's wine experiment enters a new era. Since then, the team has relied on an even more rigorous selection of the oldest vines from the coolest and best sites. The results of the "New Edition" can truly be seen and tasted. They are even more radical in complexity and finesse. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers the smallest editions of these wines, which confirm the many years of work and experience of the two quality fanatics!

In 2021, there was a truly exceptional harvest in Friuli. All the elements - acidity, low PH values, opulent extracts, juiciness, richness of aromas - are impressively present in the white wines. At the same time, the wines appear cool, racy and elegant despite their richness. Antonio Bragato's Sereno 2021, a white cuvée that he has brought to life impressively and even more precisely than ever before after a six-year break, is just as complex and full of tension. On the inviting bouquet, fresh, captivating aromas of pineapple, stone fruits, white flowers, bread crust and white currants. Juicy and very punchy in the drink, with a race and creaminess that is irresistible. The 7-month ageing on the fine lees provides complexity and depth that is exceptional for an "entry wine" into the great world of Bragato wines. SUPERIORE.DE

"Comes from 25-year-old vines. An all-rounder to start with, modelled on the Terlaner Cuvée. Unripe pineapple, one immediately senses the Sauvignon Blanc share, the Friulano rounds off the wine towards the back. Pleasing without being interchangeable." Weinwisser

"Ripe yet delicate pineapple aromas with notes of white flowers and candied lemon. Ripe and juicy, but also gentle and discreetly structured. The lively interplay of mineral freshness and animating acidity makes it hard not to like." James Suckling

"Fragrant, pineapple and mango, passion fruit and elderflower. In the mouth, the wine combines pressure and juiciness, the lively acidity and tactile-mineral motifs give it momentum and tension, the intensity of the (overall still closed) palate structure remains at a high level for quite a long time. May develop into great elegance." Falstaff

Extensive, quite complex aroma in the Vertigo, a Rosso from Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Blackberry, cherry and ink aromas and a warm, fruity, tannin-accompanied taste. SUPERIORE.DE

Sharis is a very characterful cuvée of Ribolla Gialla and Chardonnay - the link between Friuli and the world. A fine aroma of wisteria blossoms, mild spices and fruity notes, with a balanced, fresh flavour and good length. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright, pale straw yellow with golden nuances. Fruity and fragrant on the nose with juicy pomaceous fruit, a touch of jasmine and a hint of camomile. Soft and polished on the palate with rich fruit, very juicy and yet fresh until the long final." Falstaff

"A fragrant wine with delicate flavours of mandarin, lemon leaf, bitter orange and straw. Light-bodied with a silky texture, refreshing acidity and a finish of stone fruit." James Suckling

Bright, lively yellow. On the nose pear, fresh citrus fruits, menthol and a hint of spices and herbs. Juicy, bright and surprisingly complex on the palate, the long contact with the skins gives this white a unique structure and complexity. A crisp and characterful wine, which convinces completely with its long and very lively finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Lis Neris' Sauvignon Bianco is expressive, polished and offers an unobstructed view of the grape's natural aromas of citrus, tropical fruit and some gooseberry. Fresh, complex and never broad on the palate, it is highly drinkable and will delight lovers of the bouquet grape variety. Its 8-month yeast storage gives it depth, length and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Fiore di Campo, based on Friulano, is no more and no less than the self-proclaimed "family wine" of the Lis Neris house, and that is entirely justified: pretty straw yellow with green-gold reflections. Enticing mineral and citrus nose with notes of peach, jasmine, almonds and liquorice. Firm, fresh and crisp on the palate of apricot and green apple, plus a lovely creamy texture. Its full body and gentle complexity marry in a final with considerable freshness and high drinkability. Perfect entry into the world of Lis Neris' terrific white wines. SUPERIORE.DE

Pinot Grigio has been at home in the Isonzo for 140 years now; with the necessary sensitivity, it develops a great deal of elegance and structure and can almost be called autochthonous here. It is not surprising that Alvaro Pecorari has taken this grape variety to his heart. A finesse-rich white with a floral bouquet and a fine peach note. On the palate, multi-layered and quite complex, the 8-month yeast storage gives it depth, length and a good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Successful, straightforward interpretation of the French grape variety, the signature of the Pecorari family is also clearly identifiable here. In a medium-bodied style, it convinces with a buoyant lightness and a refined, mineral taste of bananas and tropical fruits. Aromatic complexity also in the finish, yet it never loses its precision and personality. The 8-month yeast storage gives it depth, length and good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Full-bodied and elegant Cabernet Franc in sparkling ruby violet, with very dark berry aromas and typical spice and hay notes. On the palate, lots of fruit and grippy tannins with a natural, fruity-sweet core. SUPERIORE.DE

Fine apple and tropical fruit flavours (mango, banana) and blossom honey on the nose. Lively and well-structured on the palate. Pleasant, slightly lemony fruit sweetness and mineral notes in the concise, dry finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"A simple, refreshing pinot bianco that shows touches of white fruit, green apple and tea leaf character. Acid-driven on the palate, with simple flavors and nice mid-palate flesh. Pithy and dry in the finish." James Suckling

A wonderful interpretation of Chardonnay from the far north-east of Italy. Cladrecis impresses with its carefully integrated oak and yeast flavours, which lead to a soft creaminess and light spiciness. At its core, the wine is packed with ripe fruit, apricot and d'Anjou pear. This wine, of which only around 6,000 bottles were bottled, is perfect for your next dinner party with pistachio-crusted cod. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Chardonnay Cladrecis, aged in oak, has candied aromas of caramel and butterscotch, which give this wine an open and generous character. This rather oxidative approach gives way to flavours of baked or poached pears. I recommend drinking this generous, full-bodied Chardonnay within the next few years." Wine Advocate

Medium yellow-green, intense floral and gooseberry aromas on the nose, fresh grapefruit, lime zest and basil. Full-bodied on the palate, elegant texture, fine acidity, mineral, racy and very drinkable. A Sauvignon with great varietal character. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with green notes. A little restrained on the nose, aniseed and sage, then some gooseberry. Blossoms beautifully on the palate, rich grapefruit, savoury and with good tension." Falstaff

"A simple, fresh and zippy sauvignon blanc that shows subtle gooseberry and green kiwi character. Elegant and fresh, with some green stone fruit in a pithy finish." James Suckling

Light yellow-green colour, very inviting aroma of pear fruit, melon and delicate grapefruit. Juicy and powerful on the palate, the flavours are reminiscent of white fruit, racy acidity, elegant and mineral. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow colour. Peach, hints of elderflower and camomile, pear on the nose. Full-bodied on the palate, with good pressure and lovely juiciness, finishing on fresh mint, solid." Falstaff

"A textbook Pinot Grigio if you're looking for freshness and simplicity. Green apples, star fruit and a hint of chalk follow through to a clean, crisp palate. Tangy and tangy finish. Drink now." James Suckling

"This bright white is light- to medium-bodied, with a creamy density to the well-meshed flavors of apricot and mango fruit, blood orange peel, salted almond, anise and white blossoms. Lip-smacking and vivacious through the mineral-laced finish." Wine Spectator

Light straw yellow in colour and intensely fruity with a banana, apple and citrus aroma. Beautifully aromatic and yet not too heavy in flavour, the wine shows excellent persistence. SUPERIORE.DE

"Spiced lemons and blossoms on the nose. Simple and crisp on the palate, with fresh, bright acidity and a light, crunchy finish. Drink now." James Suckling

Blau & Blau is made from Blaufränkisch grapes (Franconia) and Pinot Noir (Pinot Nero). Generous and juicy aromas of blackberry, blueberry, clove, violet and minerals. Elegant, full-bodied, balanced taste. Very unique and special. SUPERIORE.DE

Nestri Bianco is a single varietal Chardonnay that showcases its varietal aromatics with great elegance. Bright straw yellow colour. Ripe and nuanced bouquet of yellow fruits, yeasty pastries and fresh mountain air. On the palate, Nestri reveals energy and concentration in a mineral-salty style that is deeply flavoured while avoiding any sense of heaviness. An all-round harmonious white from the small family-run winery with cult status. SUPERIORE.DE

Gianni Del Fabbro, owner of Ronc di Vico, learned his craft at home in Friuli. At first wine was just a hobby for him, but then he studied the art of winemaking with the support of the respected and highly qualified winemaker Enzo Pontoni, owner of the Miani winery. His Sauvignon is young and fresh, yet with great ageing potential. On the nose, beautiful notes of mandarin, grapefruit and mango, on the palate intense, with great fullness and vibrant energy. SUPERIORE.DE

Good, full, light ruby red colour. The deep aromas of dark berries, candied cherries and flint are bright and fresh. Clean, precise and deep on the palate, with good clarity and lift to its ripe but vibrant blue and black fruit flavours. It finishes with a very good juicy cut and refined tannins. A beautiful wine. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Rosso Nèstri 2020 emerges from the glass with a forest-inspired bouquet that combines wild blueberries and peppery herbs with lavender and violet flowers. The palate is flooded with a silky texture accompanied by tart wild berries. The zesty acidity adds an energetic tension. The 2020 tapers off pleasantly chewy, colourful and long. It leaves a bitter aftertaste and makes you want more when the notes of redcurrants and cocoa fade away." Vinous

Nestri Bianco is a single-varietal Chardonnay that showcases its typical varietal flavours with great elegance. Bright straw yellow colour. Ripe and nuanced bouquet of yellow fruit, elderflower, yeast biscuits and fresh mountain air. On the palate, Nestri reveals energy and concentration in a mineral-salty style that is deeply flavoured and at the same time avoids any sense of heaviness. An all-round harmonious white wine from the small family business with cult status. SUPERIORE.DE