Wines from Friuli

Strong golden yellow, the bouquet intensely of fresh apricots, underlaid with a fine honey tone. Juicy on the palate, elegant texture with well-integrated flavours of yellow peach fruit and a delicate acidity. Lemony and slightly bitter nuances in the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Perfumed nose with lots of honeyed peaches, stones and chamomile. Textured, broad and full-bodied on the palate with a bone-dry and floral finish." James Suckling

The Chardonnay wraps itself in a refined fragrance of fresh bananas, pear and caramel. The elegant, distinctly scent-corresponding taste is soft and fascinatingly warm and sensual. SUPERIORE.DE

Livio Felluga's Friulano is very fresh and tropical, with nuances of sour melon, young mango and white smoke forming its attractive bouquet. It impresses with a lively acidity that balances the silky texture and ripe fruit, and with a spicy herbal note that gives it unexpected depth. Perfumed and fresh to the final, leaving a pleasant mouthfeel, with hints of bitter almond but also a gentle streak of residual tension. Very nice. SUPERIORE.DE

"Brilliant straw yellow with green-golden nuances. Fragrant, inviting bouquet of ripe citrus fruit, with a hint of banana and meadow herbs. Delicately creamy on entry, then quickly spreads across the palate with pleasant freshness and cheeky fruit." Falstaff

"A light, elegant wine with flavours of mandarins, sage, peaches and mirabelle plums. Also very floral. Medium-bodied with a silky, almost oily texture, moderate but refreshing acidity and a good, polished aftertaste." James Suckling

Exceptional Trockenbeerenauslese: Aromatic and sweet, Noans, a cuvée of Sauvignon, Riesling and Traminer, is redolent of yellow-fleshed fruits and offers an expansive, balsamic taste experience. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright yellow-green, nutty pear fruit on the nose, some herbs, orange zest and a pleasantly light wood spice. Lots of substance on the palate and complex on the palate. A balanced and sophisticated food companion. SUPERIORE.DE

Silvia Milocco Nonino, Antonio's wife and from the third generation of the distillery family, lost her husband in the war. The only wealth she had for the economic survival of her family was the pomace. She set to work with determination and learnt distilling in the early 1940s. Before she became Italy's very first female master distiller, she worked as a cook in the family pub. Her botanical knowledge was a great advantage when creating her first liqueur. She wanted to express her Friulian homeland with her products: pure, authentic and unadulterated. She therefore created an aperitif from botanicals, which she called "Aperitivo Bianco".

After their grandchildren Cristina, Antonella, Elisabetta and Francesca spent three years researching the botanicals of the traditional recipe, they created a new version of the "Aperitivo Bianco" in 2018, this time enhanced with the grape spirit ÙE Fragolino. The sisters drew inspiration from the recipes in the family archive and transformed an old botanical recipe into a contemporary gourmet drink.

Flowers, roots and fruits are carefully selected according to their origin and organoleptic properties, then dried at a low temperature to preserve the natural intensity of fragrance, flavour and colour. Gentle filtering preserves the citrus freshness and sweet mildness of the plants. A 100% plant-based harmony that is enhanced by the ÙE Monovitigno Fragolino grape brandy, which emphasises the natural balsamic nuances with Mediterranean fruity notes. Hints of blackberry and wild berries round off the flavour.

The special thing about it: the new aperitivo is 100% natural and vegan and is made without any additives.

This fresh and lively aperitif tastes perfect with ice and a twist of lime, but also as a light drink with 4 cl L'Aperitivo Nonino, 4 cl dry sparkling wine, ice and lemon zest. Also wonderful as an ingredient in a cocktail. SUPERIORE.DE

"Rich nose with fresh basic tendencies that are tinged with citrus peel. Impressions of green tea and grapefruit are also present. Complex on the palate with floral hints, with a stronger bitter flavour in the middle. Soft, finely bitter finish." Falstaff

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 extremely elegant Rosato from Livio Felluga is one of the rare representatives of its kind in Friuli. A beguiling bouquet of roses, pineapple and maritime rock. Elegant on the palate with fresh acidity; the fine and restrained style is somewhat reminiscent of the coveted Nerello Mascalese counterpart from the heights of Etna. Traces of redcurrant and papaya on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

Pinot Gris with an intense straw-yellow colour with golden-copper reflections, which can be traced back to the historic Ramato process: Here, the mash remains in contact with the skins for approx. 10 hours. Broad, fruity bouquet with sweet notes of blackberry, pear and ripe apricot, delicate hints of almond blossom. Harmonious, dry and full-bodied on the palate. Medium-long, slightly mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"This has a pale copper color and hints of honey and white strawberries to the apple and peach aromas. It’s medium-bodied, creamy and fruity with plump, soft, ripe stone fruit." James Suckling

Tunella has packed a lot of character into this savoury white: ColMatiss is a Sauvignon Bianco from a cru vineyard planted in the 1980s, which is matured on the fine lees in Slavonian oak barrels. On the nose, it has diverse and detailed aromas of exotic fruits such as lychee and grapefruit, elegant herbal notes of sage and mint, as well as mineral hints that provide depth. A fascinatingly delicate spiciness on the palate, flavours full of character and a lively acidity that enlivens the compact structure and makes you want to drink the next glass. SUPERIORE.DE

"Sparkling straw yellow with light green notes. Inviting nose with fine notes of grapefruit, sage and gooseberries, some pickled peach. Good weight on the palate, spreads out with fine fruit, beautiful sage flavour, grapefruit on the final." Falstaff

"The Tunella 2022 Friuli Colli Orientali Sauvignon Colmatìss offers a soft and creamy expression of the grape. Its broad textural base is accented by aromatic highlights of exotic fruit, papaya and tomato leaf. Indeed, the plump texture of the mouthfeel is what sets this Sauvignon Blanc apart." Wine Advocate

"A fragrant, creamy Sauvignon with flavours of guava, grapefruit, green mango and vanilla. It is medium to full-bodied, creamy and delicious, with rich lemon curd and guava notes on the finish." James Suckling

Ribolla Gialla is one of the great indigenous white wines of Friuli. ColdeBliss is a selection from a cru vineyard and is of impeccable quality. Elegant and intense aroma, floral and fruity at the same time. Exquisitely aromatic on the palate, with an almost everlasting variety of flavours and a supple, delicate body. Fresh, elegant, slightly spicy and a long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

The wonderfully typical, very lively Ribolla Gialla has a bouquet of fresh citrus fruits and apples, with peach notes and flint in the background. The fruity taste is round, clean and very harmonious with a long, salty finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Ribolla Gialla Zuc di Volpe 2021 is delicate and unobtrusive. It smells of lime and green melon, underlined by sweet floral scents. The style is soft and mineral, with an echo of saline acidity that slowly dissipates to reveal crisp Granny Smith apple. The 2021 finishes clean but full of youthful tension and a crisp feel as nuances of sour citrus gradually fade. What a beauty. Two to three years of ageing should help it to develop fully." Vinous

"Lots of flint and smoke with aromas and flavours of green apple and lime. Tangy and bright. A linear and energetic Ribolla with a sorbet finish." James Suckling

The pure Malvasia from Raccaro is elegant, complex and rich. Pleasantly fragrant with hints of broom and iris and the typically strong and persistent flavour of the grape variety. Salty on the palate, spicy on the final. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Malvasia opens with a delicate bouquet of ripe orchard fruits and sweet herbal tones. Silky-smooth, this washes across the palate with a perfumed mix of pit fruits and candied citrus. The 2022 tapers off with medium length and is pleasantly fresh with a trace of tropical citrus." Vinous

Here comes the new single-varietal Pinot Grigio from one of our absolute favourite winemakers for years. In addition to his Friulano vineyards, Dario Raccaro has been cultivating a small vineyard planted with 100% Pinot Gris vines in Guyot training for many years. Since the 2022 vintage, he has been selling just 2,000 bottles of this fine wine and we are delighted to have received an allocation. Pale straw yellow in colour, with a fine, floral bouquet with traces of flint and white smoke. Well-structured on the palate, soft and flowing, very velvety and deep at the same time, a masterful interpretation of Pinot Gris! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio lifts from the glass with an airy freshness, blending minty herbs with crushed rocks and Asian pear. This is soothingly round with ripe orchard fruits and sweet spices that swirl throughout. It tapers off remarkably fresh with an herbal tinge and green melon suggestions slowly fade." Vinous

Schiopetto's Pinot Grigio seduces with a nuanced and noble blend of yellow apples, spring flowers, wet stone and sweet smoke. On the entry, it is soft with an echo of green citrus and salty minerals that add tension, while lively notes of pear and inner flowers build towards the finish. It finishes with a pleasant inner sweetness, while a hint of spice and ginger lingers. This understated beauty is full of character and promises good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich, carpeted ginger-pear wine that starts pretty, perky, floral and green. It spreads out like liquid silk, filling every corner with a kind of golden, silvery sheen that hints at honey and baked puff pastry to come, then returns to sweet peas and sugar snap peas." Jancis Robinson

"Delicate aromas of green apple, citrus, and fresh white flowers mingle in this expressive wine. The palate pops with vibrant flavors of ripe pear and lemon, complemented by a crisp acidity and a refreshing, clean finish." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Pinot Grigio is remarkably pretty, with hints of sweet spice and white flowers emphasising freshly cut nectarines. The Pinot Grigio is incredibly fresh, with zesty acidity and a hint of green citrus to the ripe fruit. The finish is clean and of medium length, leaving a hint of young peach and chamomile. The balance of this wine is excellent and makes it easy to return to the glass again and again." Vinous

"Aromas of quince fruit, glazed lemons, peaches and a hint of praline. Also some wet stones. Medium to full-bodied with depth and a delicate phenolic note in the texture. Long and taut with a lively, nervy acidity that goes on and on. Lots of crushed stones and spices. Attractive." James Suckling

Intense, very elegant bouquet of apple and almond, extremely complex fruit on the palate; fresh, powerful, rich and with a beautiful citrus-fruity length and mineral vein. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Friulano Rolat is perfumed in the glass with a blend of wildflowers, lime zest and fresh mint. This opens with a lovely inner sweetness contrasted by a reverberation of zesty acidity. Sour melon complicates the palate further, and inner florals amass toward the close. The 2022 keeps the energy high throughout, finishing spicy and with tension. The Rolat is a gorgeous Friulano." Vinous

This mineral and concentrated wine emphasises the beauty of the Collio region. Ponca, the local name for the soil in the Collio, is a calcareous clay and sandstone conglomerate, which this wine shows in abundance. The first note of Ponca leads to ripe apples and white flowers. On the palate, it is complex and structured, creamy and with a strong acidity. It is a wine with stony and mineral undertones that emphasises the soil of this special place. SUPERIORE.DE

"Aromas of baked apples, lemon oil and pressed yellow flowers. On the palate, it delivers a delightful fusion of citrus and stone fruit flavors, culminating in a refreshing, clean finish that mirrors the region's vibrant spirit." Wine Enthusiast

"The 2022 Pinot Bianco captivates with a bouquet that mixes enriching notes of almond paste and sweet spice with crushed yellow apples. Silky and enveloping, this washes across the palate with medium-bodied weight and mineral-tinged orchard fruits as brisk acidity adds a cheek-puckering twang toward the close. The 2022 leaves tropical citrus and hints of green melon to linger on, finishing with admirable length and wonderfully fresh. Already a pleasure today, the 2022 Pinot Bianco will also excel over three to four years of cellaring." Vinous

"Crushed seashells, flint, white fruit and crumbled minerality. Quite textured with a medium to full body and a long, mineral finish. Has lovely mid-palate substance and tension." James Suckling

Bright ruby red colour and the typical vinous, slightly grassy bouquet of Pinot Noir. The flavour is elegant and refined, pleasantly full-bodied and balanced. SUPERIORE.DE

"An elegant, light- to medium-bodied red, with a core of juicy cherry, cranberry and raspberry fruit flavors trimmed by light, taut tannins. This is refreshing and balanced, with a mix of smoke, dried thyme and milled pepper notes adding fine detail to the finish." Wine Spectator

Davino Merois Pinot Grigio is smoky, with crushed stone and flint to counterbalance young peaches and pears. It is soft and pure, with ripe melon and sweet herbal notes on the inside that are heavy yet lively. It leaves a savoury aftertaste and makes you want more! SUPERIORE.DE

Schiopetto's Friulano is youthfully unobtrusive with a pretty bouquet that blends lemon peel with mint and hints of crushed rock. It washes over the palate with a tense mix of citrusy acids and salty minerals, while a core of tropical melon develops towards the end. Finishes on a more delicate note, but long and with pretty inner flowers that still linger. The beautiful balance and underlying power of this wine will guarantee good ageing in the bottle. The best is yet to come. SUPERIORE.DE

"Hawthorn blossom on the nose and then that indefinable, seamless, petal-wax smoothness-that-is-Friulano on the palate. It has Friulano's macadamia-nut-carved-into-flower smooth, sweet, floral oiliness. Kind of hard to define, kind of delicate, kind of ploppy (like fat rain drops). Poached-pear sweetness. A wine that would be delicious with anything soft and green and drenched in buttery beurre blanc. Wonderful with cold, minty lamb sausages." Jancis Robinson

"Lithe and well-balanced, this mouthwatering white has lively hints of grapefruit zest, milled white pepper and lemon thyme underscoring juicy tangerine, peach skin and lentil notes." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Friulano wafts up with a delicate bouquet, blending minty herbs and wet stone with green apples and lime zest. This flows across the palate with ease, crisp and cool-toned in feel, with saline mineral tones adding a tactile feel as candied citrus notes resonate throughout. It finishes clean and with medium length, leaving a salty sensation and the mouth watering for more." Vinous

"Oyster shell, light flint, match stick, dried pear, and apple puree aromas and flavors. Medium to full body. Layered. Very minerally. Tight and focused. Serious." James Suckling

Schiopetto's delicious Malvasia seduces with multi-layered flavours of crushed apple, spices, smoke, raw almonds and white flowers. It has a silky texture and envelops the palate with fragrant waves of ripe melon and orchard fruit, enlivened by lively acidity. It offers a seductive interplay of savoury and sweet flavours and has a long but also incredibly fresh finish. This wine is simply stunning and yet still as youthfully closed as it is today. Patience is required to experience the full effect. SUPERIORE.DE

"Ashy and chalky with wet stones and grilled herbs to the green fruit. Really flinty and structured with a medium to full body and a tight, dry and compact finish. A smoky, very stony Malvasia that has a mineral, extended finish." James Suckling

Schioppettino is an old Friulian grape variety from which this wonderful, medium-bodied wine is made. Smells of red berries, herbs and liquorice. Fresh, floral and fruity notes on the palate, mineral and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"Attractive aromas of dark cherries, licorice, dried rosemary and wet stones, following through to a medium body with a solid and velvety tannin structure. Smooth and balanced." James Suckling

Yellow spring flowers, apricots and crushed herbs pour from the glass of this flavoursome white wine, along with an inviting hint of yeast and fresh bread dough. The enveloping, medium-bodied palate picks up where the nose left off, offering ripe pear, unsweetened lemon candy, salt and white almonds alongside tangy acidity. A fine fennel note on the long finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Raccaro 2023 Collio Friulano Rolat reveals a dry style with an emphasis on mineral tones and crushed oyster shell. It sees stainless steel only. However, the palate reverts to sweeter flavors of peach nectar and honeydew melon over a mildly creamy consistency." Wine Advocate

Deep ruby red colour. Bright, fresh and savoury aromas and flavours of blueberries, flint, coffee and fresh herbs. Long and clean with soft tannins and very good clarity on the bright finish. A beautiful, very refined wine, characterised by its early attractiveness, but also by its velvet-pawed concentration and complexity. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2019 Rivarossa, a blend of Cabernet and Merlot, takes its time to evolve in the glass. It's coy at first, with hints of dried black cherry. Swirling slowly unlocks depths of sage and exotic spice. This displays silky textures as a polished wave of red and black fruits swirls across a stream of zesty acidity. The 2019 slowly saturates the palate in youthful concentration, along with fine-grained tannins, while finishing long, structured and leaving a pleasant bitter tinge. There is potential here, yet it will require serious patience to unlock." Vinous

"Raspberry, blackcurrant bush and bark on the nose. Also some pencil. Full-bodied, but not overwhelming, with linear and polished tannins that run the length of the wine. Very solid and structured, but with a certain openness on the finish." James Suckling