Wines from Friuli

The Pinot Grigio Zuc di Volpe impresses with seductive aromas of ripe pears and apricots, accompanied by sweet white flowers and a hint of buttercream. It is silky and round, with a certain heaviness, yet perfectly balanced. Then on the palate, notes of ripe melon underlined by zesty lime and a salty note towards the spicy, smoky final. For all its complexity, very bright and fresh and full of personality. SUPERIORE.DE

"Intensely perfumed and rich in the glass, the 2021 Pinot Grigio Zuc di Volpe wafts up with notes of dried peaches and apricots complemented by a whiff of chamomile. It’s silky, nearly oily in texture, with tart green apple fruits and zesty lime tones complicated by a salty core of minerality. The 2021 lingers incredibly long and savory yet fresh with rosemary and liquid stone nuances. This characterful Pinot Grigio communicates importance and refinement from the first tilt of the glass. Fans of the variety should seek it out." Vinous

"A terrific and serious pinot grigio with lime, apple-pie and lemon-zest character throughout. Full-bodied and driven, with so much fruit flavor and intensity in the finish." James Suckling

Brilliant, rich yellow with silver-green reflections. The bouquet has pronounced smoky, mineral notes, full flavours of mango, citrus fruit, sage and asparagus. It shows its true class on the palate: wonderfully complex structure, lots of naturally sweet flavour, refreshing acidity and a juiciness, strength and length that can only be achieved through long contact with the lees and simultaneous agitation. Very convincing, downright captivating! SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm and quite deep, yeasty, very delicately nutty and smoky aroma with citrus flavours, some white berries, spring onions, broccoli, white pepper and crab meat. Ripe, juicy, dense fruit, very fine acidity and some grip, vegetal spice, blackcurrant leaves, some smoke and nutty-yeasty traces, blackcurrants and gooseberries in the background, mineral foundation, good depth, very good, firm, juicy, mineral and somewhat herbal-spicy finish with blackberry and floral nuances." Wein-Plus

"Intense straw yellow with a green tinge. Aromatic nose, lots of gooseberry and nettle, some passion fruit in the background. Straightforward and precise on the palate, animating, mouthwatering, delicately melting, lingering, salty final." Falstaff

"On the nose, cooked lemons, savoury herbs, pepper and a hint of flinty minerality. Medium-bodied, juicy and citrusy with lively acidity and a flavourful finish." James Suckling

"The Sauvignon Blanc Picol 2021 is flavoursome and incredibly fresh. In the glass, it unfolds aromas of nectarine, rosemary and sage, accompanied by candied lime. It is full of zesty tension with sharp yellow citrus fruits and salty mineral notes that tantalise the senses. Its brilliant acidity is the real highlight of the show, as the Picol finishes long and powerful with a mix of sour melon and young kiwi that makes the taster return to the glass." Vinous

"Inviting, smoky nose of gooseberry aromatics; palate of tropical notes and a neat, bright acidity." Decanter

The Pecorari family's passion for single-varietal wines is best represented by the Pinot Grigio Gris, which is matured for 11 months on the fine lees with bâtonnage. This Pinot Grigio fermented in oak offers an exciting and complex bouquet of white peach, citrus, flint, crushed oyster shells, white rose petals and notes of acacia honey. The well-proportioned acidity, the fresh flavour and the wonderful depth and tension make it easy to see that the Pinot Grigio at Lis Neris occupies an absolutely special position every year. SUPERIORE.DE

"Firm, somewhat nutty, planty to herbaceous and hints of mushroomy aromas of yellow fruit with slightly smoky and vanilla wood notes and nuances reminiscent of mussel shells. Polished, firm fruit with melting and some light wood notes, fine acidity, has a grip of ripe tannin, good substance and persistence, certain depth, salty minerality, tobacco, butter and hints of crab meat in the background, very good, animating finish with bite." Wein-Plus

"Bright straw yellow colour. Fine reduction on the nose, subtle flint, precious wood and stone fruit. Full-bodied and radiant on the palate, with great juiciness and salinity, powerful, savoury, lingers for a long time, great Pinot Grigio!" Falstaff

"It is fresh and mineral with notes of white peaches, flowers and stones. Crisp and juicy with a medium body and a polished, mineral backbone. Tasty finish." James Suckling

"The 2021 Pinot Grigio Gris tantalises the senses with an opulent blend of vanilla pods, sweet spices and whole butter complementing ripe apples and pears. It is pleasantly round and silky in flavour, with a core of juicy acidity that balances it out and ripe fruit that plays around it. The balance on the inside is fantastic. The 2021 rejuvenates with a saline mineral note and sour citrus, leaving a youthful inner tension. The oak will need to be integrated a little over the coming years, but I expect that with a little patience an absolutely stunning interpretation will develop." Vinous

"Inviting, with a nose of orange blossom, smoky fruit and yellow spring flowers; lemon, apricot cake and spiced pear on the palate." Decanter

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

"Grilled herbs, sour cherries, toasted bark and nutmeg on the nose. Toasty and ripe with a medium to full body and chewy tannins. Spicy finish." James Suckling

The best grape material ensures intensely fruity aromas and distinct characteristics in the Pinot Blanc of the Zuc di Volpe line. Brilliantly clear, soft, floral tones, harmonious and juicy, persistent and long. Beautiful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

Bright yellow-green in colour. Intense nose of orchard fruits, ripe peach, roasted nuts and some lemon mousse, rounded off with creamy vanilla. Very juicy on the palate, not too heavy, with salty elements and warm yellow fruit flavours. Chardonnay made by Lis Neris is always a complete pleasure and a lasting memory. Very elegant and with good ageing and maturation potential thanks to 11 months of ageing on the fine lees. SUPERIORE.DE

"Shiny, light golden yellow in colour. Slightly reductive on the nose, flint and gunpowder, fine roasted flavours, tropical fruit and vanilla on the finish. Fresh and juicy on the palate, the use of wood is noticeable, well-balanced, with a long final." Falstaff

"Notes of cooked apples, walnuts, bread crust and stones on the nose. Medium- to full-bodied, firm and textured with a juicy stone fruit character. Zesty and refreshing finish." James Suckling

This beautiful white cuvée made from Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Malvasia istriana has a seductive aroma of spring flowers, white stone fruit and citrus notes. The palate is round, full-bodied and enveloping, with creamy white peach, ripe apple and grapefruit as well as notes of crushed herbs and ginger, accompanied by a fresh acidity. A salty note enlivens the finish. A great wine with lots of potential! SUPERIORE.DE

Brilliant light straw yellow colour. Elegant aromas of gooseberry, smoke, some flint and lemon followed by a full body with powerful fruit and mineral nuances, very balanced, savoury and unmistakably high-class. SUPERIORE.DE

"Fresh and flavoursome on the nose with crushed apples, spicy herbs, mussels and citrus leaves. Medium-bodied, bright and lively with citrusy freshness, mouthwatering acidity and chalky minerality. Some salty undertones." James Suckling

"The 2022 Sauvignon is perfumed, casting a delicate array of wildflowers, tangerine and hints of incense from the glass. Seductively smooth and soothing upon entry, this quickly gains tension as zesty acidity and sour citrus tones collide over a core of tart green apple. Crisp and nearly crunchy in feel, the 2022 keeps the mouth watering for more while leaving a minty herbal tinge and salty flourish to linger on. Simply stunning." Vinous

"A Sauvignon of complexity and completeness, representative of the Capriva terroir. On the nose, notes of white apricot, then rosemary, bergamot and jasmine. Spicy and sweet on the palate, with a fruity note and a citrus finish." Luca Gardini

This single-varietal Malvasia is a reference in the Collio every year. Elegant aromas of white peach, jasmine, magnolia, crushed rock and fresh herbs pour from the glass with every sip. On the palate, pine and fresh herbs combine with fresh apples and apricots, with layers upon layers of ever-evolving flavours. Great ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Made in stainless steel only, this is a delicate and pretty wine with a charming and accessible style. If you have a bottle of the Raccaro 2023 Collio Malvasia, you'll enjoy drinking it while the primary aromas are so fresh. Jasmine and honeysuckle are on full display. Try it with an heirloom tomato salad with fresh basil leaves." Wine Advocate

Complex and rich bouquet of citrus fruit and sage flavours. Excellently structured and consistent on the palate with a fresh acid wire. This wonderful Sauvignon offers multi-layered fruit notes and great harmony with a delightful grapefruit flavour on the long finish. Good ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Sauvignon Zuc di Volpe blossoms slowly in the glass with a lovely blend of nectarine and wildflowers complicated by tangerine zest. This opens with a pretty inner sweetness as tart orchard fruits and ginger hints sweep across the palate. Residual acidity maintains a gorgeous balance as the 2022 finishes spicy and wickedly fresh, leaving the mouth watering for more. The combination of energy, vividly ripe fruit and power is stunning and promises many years of positive evolution." Vinous

"A very pure and chalky Sauvignon blanc, tangy but not herbaceous. Mineral, green apples and very gastronomic style. Ripe green apples, wet stones and nice and dry. Strict, but not demanding. Straightforward, quite long and mineral." James Suckling

In addition to his Friulano vineyards, Dario Raccaro has been cultivating a small vineyard planted with 100% Guyot Pinot Gris vines 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 fresh palate, soft and flowing, very velvety and deep at the same time, a masterful interpretation of Pinot Gris! SUPERIORE.DE

The Biancosesto is a true Friulian made from equal parts of the local Ribolla Gialla and Friulano grape varieties. Fresh, citrus-fruity aroma with hints of apple and pear, accompanied by a full-bodied, harmonious and pleasantly dry flavour. A refined interpretation of down-to-earthness with a beautiful arc of tension. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright olive green with straw yellow colour. Juicy citrus fruit on the nose, elderberry, juicy pink peach, rose petal, grapefruit, pomegranate, inviting. Fresh, juicy, clear on the palate, with well-defined fruit, full of tension and accessible, pure drinking pleasure." Falstaff

"Perfumed, elegant nose with citrus blossom and menthol, rich on the palate with candied fruit." Decanter

"This bright white features juicy pineapple, passion fruit and lychee notes accented by hints of grated ginger, ground cardamom, vanilla and white blossoms. Well-knit and lightly chalky in texture, with a focused, mineral-driven finish." Wine Spectator

"I like the undertones of crushed stone in the grapefruit and gooseberry flavours. It's bright, creamy and citrusy, with a medium body and a lively, zesty finish." James Suckling

"The Tunella 2022 Friuli Colli Orientali Biancosesto emphasises its modernist style with a very rich and creamy texture that comes from ageing in large Slavonian oak barrels. The blend consists of equal parts Friulano and Ribolla Gialla, and the fruit benefits from marl and sandstone soils that develop freshness and sweet concentration. This wine is complex and rich with ripe fruit, apricots and pears. It is a 360-degree expression with an extra dose of opulence to finish." Wine Advocate

Pale greenish yellow, floral aromas of flowers, tangerine and peach. Fresh and elegant on the palate, very precise, long-lasting and juicy on the finish. A multi-faceted, exotic wine with good development potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"Clear golden yellow colour with brilliant reflections. Phenolic initial notes with yellow fruit, peach, citrus and some aniseed. Excellent juiciness on the palate, wonderfully animating to drink, medium finish with a tang." Falstaff

"A simple and crisp Riesling with pear-shaped stone fruit and a hint of petrol and flint. Light and acidic on the palate, with fresh, simple flavours and a phenolic bite on the finish." James Suckling

Prunella Mandorlata is a beautifully amber-coloured, light and delicate liqueur made from bitter almonds. Exceptionally rich in flavour and aroma. Made according to Antonio Nonino's old original recipe. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright light amber colour. Intense and rich on the nose. Clearly prominent almond flavour that runs from the nose to the palate, followed by fruity notes. Soft, balanced and flavourful on the palate." Falstaff

Pignolo reveals an enticing bouquet of roasted coffee beans, leather, smoke and spices. The incredibly complex aromatics of the rare grape variety are repeated on the palate with good structure and harmony. A wine without equal, especially when it comes to Pignolo. SUPERIORE.DE

"A rich and very ripe pignolo that does not overpower with its rusticity. Blackberries, dried dark cherries, sweet spices and chocolate. Rich and full-bodied on the palate with sweet fruit and ample, nicely chewy tannins. Nice restraint for a pignolo." James Suckling

Felluga's Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is very appealing, showing an interesting blend of wild berries, mint, sage and autumnal spices on the nose. Its textures are silky, giving way to polished black fruits and floral notes, underlined by a complex web of minerals and fine-grained tannins. A wine of strong character made from Friuli's most famous red autochthonous grape variety. SUPERIORE.DE

The grapes for Ciampagnis come from a 7.8-hectare vineyard located just above sea level at an altitude of 32 metres. Fresh, Mediterranean-spicy bouquet with notes of white flowers and an exotic touch of mango, lychee and rhubarb. Medium-bodied on the palate with a beautiful silky texture, full-bodied flavours of citrus, pineapple and apple, the long ageing on the lees ensures terrific freshness and complexity. A seductive wine with great potential for enthusiasm, full of energy and personality with a mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright straw yellow with golden reflections. Very intense nose of exotic fruits such as pineapple, mango and papaya, plus salted lemon and mint. Very juicy, salty on the palate with exotic, long-lasting fruit flavours as well as good pressure and an animating drinking flow." Falstaff

"This vibrant Chardonnay shows good balance and integration, offering bright pineapple and persimmon fruit flavours with a rich hint of grilled macadamia nut and aromas of orchard blossom and mountain herbs. Creamy and mineral on the finish." Wine Spectator

"The 2022 Chardonnay Ciampagnis is a seductress that captures the imagination with a beguiling array of crushed nectarines infused with tropical citrus, a hint of curry leaves and sweet, sweet spice. The wine impresses with a balance of contrasts, combining tart fruit and green citrus notes with cool acidity and a hint of apricot towards the finish. Incredibly fresh and dramatically long, the Ciampagnis finishes with a colourful length and gentle tannins that leave a pleasantly tart sensation that lingers." Vinous

Natural distillate matured in barriques and small wooden barrels from selected soft vintage marc from Friuli. Distillation with separation of the first and last run in exclusive copper steam stills.

Light gold colour. Slightly cinnamon, white chocolate, delicately floral. Soft with notes of vanilla, gently creamy, good length, harmonious finish. Elegant and persistent in bouquet and flavour. No added colourings. SUPERIORE.DE

Sauvignon Bianco combines the intense flavour of Sauvignon with the heady and rich style of Meroi. Lemon oils and wild herbal tones combine with a hint of ground ginger. It is round in texture but with a lively acid balance that conveys elegance with green citrus and penetrating spice. The finish is long and colourful, leaving a hint of lime and a residual acidity that keeps the expression fresh. Exciting contrast of savoury and sweet. The 2023 is a large-format Sauvignon Blanc that maintains its balance at all times. SUPERIORE.DE

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, Antonio 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!

The vines from which the Sauvignon Bianco grapes for this delicious wine come are over 30 years old. In the open-hearted bouquet, initially elderflower, white peach, cassis, menthol and gooseberry, then in the background a cool, mineral-smoky note. On the nose, it is taut, precise, dense and juicy to the point, with a cool, very elegant drinking flow as it progresses. The overall experience is flanked by a well-portioned acidity and carried on and on. In the long, full-bodied final, a wonderful aroma and a delicate melting. Beguiling and highly convincing! SUPERIORE.DE

"A floral, intense, slightly spicy aroma, a hint of paprika, but also yellow fruit and wax. In the mouth, a smoothly grounded wine with a slightly phenolic extract filling and a firm acid structure is revealed. The wine has freshness and tension with good density and medium length, it seems made for table use." Falstaff

"This ripe and concentrated Sauvignon blanc is so elegant and finely tuned that it draws you inexorably under its spell. With its aromas of cassis and grapefruit peel and a hint of flint, it is reminiscent of the Loire. Mouth-filling, but so graceful and precise until the long finish with wet stones." James Suckling

Crystal clear grappa from freshly processed Merlot grapes with a fine bouquet of rose petals and cherry stones. Elegant and dry taste. SUPERIORE.DE

"Slightly green spicy with a grassy tone, a little nougat, sour cherry. In the mouth with good density, medium weight, in the aftertaste after raisins." Falstaff

The single-varietal Merlot Focus beguiles with its elegant aroma of red fruits and warm, balsamic tones. The fresh taste is characterised by the typical spiciness and the lively tannins of a high-quality and rare Merlot from the Colli Orientali. SUPERIORE.DE

"Deep ruby. Cool climate Merlot aromas and flavors with flinty red berries, wet stones, fresh herbs, with only minimal notes of coffee and cocoa. Vibrant and long on the juicy finish. A 22 years old, single vineyard Merlot from Prepotto." Vinous

"A soft and beautiful wine with hazelnut, coffee and chocolate aromas and flavors. Mint and eucalyptus notes, too. Full to medium body. Round and soft tannins. Complex and long." James Suckling

Brilliant golden yellow colour. The nose opens with yellow fruit, summer-ripened peach, pear and honeydew melon, as well as hints of mineral tones, ash and crushed flint. On the palate, Golden Delicious, pear and a certain creaminess, which in turn is flanked by salty notes. The acidity is very well integrated, all in all a wonderful white wine with impressive depth and elegance. SUPERIORE.DE

"It is fresh with notes of nectarine, pear drops, acacia and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, chalky and mineral with white flowers and mineral undertones. Piquant on the finish." James Suckling