Wines from Friuli

A 100% Merlot from the Colli Orientali is always special: intense, full thrust of fruit with a wonderfully plush texture and simultaneous definition, although the style remains powerful, ripe and intense. Flowers, spices and liquorice add race and class to this exceptional wine. Great Merlot cinema. SUPERIORE.DE

Lis is a mixed blend of Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc and is one of the house's top wines. It has a wonderfully complex aroma of citrus and passion fruit, yellow apple and an initially barely perceptible flavour lead from the Sauvignon Bianco. All elements of this cuvée are equally and masterfully married on the palate, the mouthfeel is soft and round. This complex and at the same time elegant white wine, with its subtle pressure, whets the appetite for more and inevitably casts a spell over every Friuli fan. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light golden yellow with straw-yellow reflections. Slightly reductive nose at first, then ripe stone fruit, flint, citrus fruit and fresh herbs in the background. Pleasant and lively acidity on the palate, salty, with a long finish." Falstaff

"Honeysuckle, guava, papaya and lime curd on the nose. Some dried spice, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a creamy, oily texture. Ripe, tropical style. Finishes fresh." James Suckling

"The 2018 Lis is coy in the glass, with a nuanced bouquet that shows young peach, dusty florals and white smoke. This is pure elegance on the palate, pleasantly soothing and soft, with ripe white pit fruits and hints of sweet spice that smooth over the palate. It finishes with a tug of tannin and a concentration of residual fruits, as hazelnut traces embellish the style." Vinous

Finely nuanced Chardonnay from the barrique. Bright yellow with a green tinge. Perfumed scents of citrus peel, banana and nuts. Firmly built and supple, with ripe acidity and underlying fresh herbal notes that consolidate the sweet citrus and oak flavours. The finish is precise and long. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Chardonnay is wonderfully refined with a pleasurable whiff of reduction that blows off to reveal vivid yellow apples, crushed almonds and vanilla custard. This is soft textured and built on purity. A cooling minerality lifts a lovely inner sweetness and crisp orchard fruits. The 2022 finishes remarkably fresh yet long, leaving pretty inner florals and hints of confectionary spice lingering." Vinous

ÙE Uvabianca distilled from the three white grape varieties Ribolla, Moscato and Malvasia. Clear, fresh, fragrant and slightly aromatic. SUPERIORE.DE

"Colourless. Flavours of sultanas, white flowers, also grapey with a slightly pungent alcohol. With a certain softness and sweetness on the palate, grapey flavour." Falstaff

Finely nuanced Chardonnay from the barrique. Bright yellow with a green tinge. Perfumed scents of citrus peel, banana and nuts. Firmly built and supple, with ripe acidity and underlying fresh herbal notes that consolidate the sweet citrus and oak flavours. The finish is precise and long. SUPERIORE.DE

Confini can justifiably be described as one of Friuli's best white wines. This crescendo is an exciting blend of Gewürztraminer, Pinot Grigio and Riesling, with the strong flavours of Traminer clearly leading the way. Medium-bodied on the palate, with a creamy fullness and silky intensity, with hints of tropical fruit, gingerbread and exotic flowers. In the final third, the palate is then again wide-ranging, full of freshness, juicy acidity and grace - and with the lasting, deep impression that more than does justice to a top wine from this appellation. SUPERIORE.DE

"Bright golden yellow colour. Intense, aromatic nose, lots of fruit exoticism, mango and papaya, followed by rose petals and white pepper. Powerful on the palate, with phenolic grip, mouthwatering, animating, harmonious acidity structure, long, spicy final." Falstaff

"The 2019 Confini is uncannily fresh, emerging from the glass with an array of sweet herbs and wet stones that give way to a vibrant lime pudding. It is soft and round with an almost oily texture and a cascade of liquid flowers under a hint of incense and exotic spices. Zesty acidity resonates on the finish, while the 2019 finishes longer and is more savoury than expected. A salty note slowly fades. The Confini 2019 is a wine of constant contrasts. It is a blend of Pinot Grigio, Gewürztraminer and Riesling." Vinous

"Very aromatic with ripe pineapple, lychees and glazed lemons with dried flowers and spicy herb undertones. Medium- to full-bodied, tense and energetic with steady acidity and a firm, lightly phenolic mid-palate. Hints of dried leaves and citrus peel at the end." James Suckling

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"Bright straw yellow with green reflections. Compact on the nose, lots of fruit, blackcurrant, lemon and bergamot, with plenty of herbal spice behind it. Straightforward and precise on the palate, great grip, mouthwatering, salty, delicate melting, refreshing acidity, long, mineral final." Falstaff

"Remarkably pretty in the glass, the 2019 Fiore di Campo (Gold Label) is delicate and floral, as crushed rocks and lime zest are complemented by gingery spice. Round and pleasantly sweet upon entry, it cascades ripe orchard fruits across a core of bright acidity as a complementing hint of mint evolves toward the close. Candied citrus and a salty flourish contrast each other through the finale, while the 2019 maintains fantastic energy yet is also lightly structured. The balance here is stunning, and while enjoyable today, there's a bright future ahead of it all well." Vinous

"The wine has a soft texture that only Italian white wines from Friuli have. The special thing about the texture is that it feels creepingly full-bodied, but never heavy. In addition to the flavours of stone fruit and pastries, the wine has a lovely acidic freshness and salty mineral notes." Wine Advocate

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!

Praephylloxera (literally: before phylloxera) comes from Friulano vines over 110 years old. Nutty-floral nose with notes of peach, rose petals, lime blossom, hawthorn, a hint of marzipan. Very dense with full soft body, elegant drinking flow. Great aromatic correspondence and length with fine acidity and light tannin on the finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"100% Tocai Friulano from up to 110-year-old vines with no roots. The mineral, well-founded bouquet reveals wonderful floral notes reminiscent of hawthorn and light flowers, delicately framed by ethereal notes, but also yellow stone fruit such as yellow peach compote and a touch of gooseberry. In the mouth it really explodes with a gigantic melt and then also shows delicate notes of white roses with fine acidity, seems to unite opposites, spicy final and you can literally feel the power and concentration of the old, rootless vines." Weinwisser

"Pleasant on the nose, fresh lemons, gooseberries, peach, hay, almonds, subtle marzipan. On the palate elegant with fine acidity, fresh fruit, lemons, gooseberries, fine spice and nice tannin on the finish. A versatile food companion that can still mature." Falstaff

"You could almost mistake this Friulano from old vines for a great Chardonnay from a warmer region (think low acidity). The chalky minerality and fine oak give structure and balance to this remarkable wine, the finish is long and complex with a hint of rose." James Suckling

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

San Zuan is an attractive, well-proportioned white made from 100% Friulano grapes. Complex, spicy bouquet of white peaches and pears, flowers, crushed rock and a subtle earthiness with notes of ginger and flint. Full and balanced on the palate, yet elegant, with some salty minerality, a hint of candied lemons, great length and nice ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2021 Friulano San Zuan opens with a honeyed sweetness as white flowers, crisp green melon and confectionary spices fill the senses. This is round and supple on the palate, with vividly ripe orchard fruits nicely offset by bright acidity. It finishes with a lingering sweetness offset by spicy citrus tones. Beautifully ripe and concentrated, yet with stunning acidity, the 2021 San Zuan is a real head-turner." Vinous

Beautiful Verduzzo Friulano wrapped in shiny old gold and with delightful aromas from brittle to almonds, from apricot jam to caramel. The palate is also pampered by fine sweet aromas and a taste of integrity and persistence balanced by fresh acidity. SUPERIORE.DE

Now available again in small quantities after a break of many years: Dario Raccaro's Merlot is a deep, expressive wine that presents opulent tones of blackberry jam and blackcurrants. In other circumstances, such a fruit-driven wine would taste heavy and one-dimensional. However, thanks to the unique buffer of cool Collio air and the heavier clay soils, the wine shows a fascinating personality and, despite its concentration, a great elegance that increases with further aeration. A dense vein of minerals and spices is woven into the long finish. A true showpiece for this grape variety, which is also rarely found in the Collio. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines of Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best made in Friuli today. There is a lot to choose from here, because the transparency of the terroir is paramount. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnay or Friulano wines, but the differences between each hill, each site and the age of each vineyard create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

Standing on the hill where this winery is located, looking out over Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important to the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine a winemaker's fascination with each of these unique sites. If you were to make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

The single vineyard Sauvignon Bianco Lozeta is the result of the avant-garde planting system, which, in contrast to the method of cultivation previously practised in Friuli, means not only a higher planting density, but also the intelligent use of clones and biotypes intermarried with French offshoots. It is another uncompromising and consistent step towards complexity and personality, with optimal exploitation and expression of the existing terroir and microclimate.

Only since the 2019 vintage has the wine found the balance and complexity that enabled Christian Patat to present it to the public in a very small edition alongside the famous classics Peri, Sol and Salici. The second vintage of this interpretation of a Sauvignon Bianco full of character is not only something to look forward to, but also something to be proud of as a winemaker! SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2020 Sauvignon Blanc Lozeta has a dusty character, with spiced lemon peel and flowers complementing the crushed green apples. It is round and slightly opulent on the palate, with ripe fruit and enticing citrus notes. The finish is floral and precise with a lingering lemony intensity. The 2020 is a real delight." Vinous

Rich, deep dark ruby with violet glints. Its scent reminds of black fruits, liquorice, coffee and dark chocolate. Tasty and determined on the palate, full of exuberance and with great length. A very emotional Merlot in a class of its own. SUPERIORE.DE

San Zuan is an attractive, well-proportioned white wine made from 100% Friulano grapes. Complex, savoury bouquet of white peaches and pears, flowers, crushed rocks and a subtle earthiness with notes of ginger and flint. Full and balanced on the palate, yet elegant, with a certain salty minerality, a hint of candied lemon, great length and beautiful ageing potential. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

"The 2022 Friulano San Zuan wafts up with a sweetly scented bouquet of smoky peaches and pears elevated by mint hints. This is pleasantly ripe in style with silky textures and a glycerol feel, giving way to masses of green melon and spices. The 2022 finishes long and potent yet still remarkably fresh, leaving a tinge of candied lime." Vinous

The grapes for the Chardonnay Corrado di Manzano come from a small parcel of the Manzano vineyard. This delicious white is rich, atmospheric and full of character. It blossoms with baked apple, floral notes, hints of brown spices and vanilla pods. A sense of opulence sets in as its seamless, velvety texture slowly reveals ripe fruit trees and hints of custard. However, the vibrant acids keep the balance and slowly build up a tension that continues through to the final, framing everything beautifully. A hint of citrus and minerals lingers for a long time. SUPERIORE.DE

"Lifted and refined, the 2022 Chardonnay Corrado di Manzano blossoms in the glass with a mix of crushed rocks and ripe peach accentuated by mint aromas. Soothingly round yet saline in character, this reverberates with tension from start to finish, coming across as more savory than sweet while leaving flinty minerals to saturate slowly. The 2022 finishes lightly structured and with medium length and a minty freshness." Vinous

The single-varietal Chardonnay Ronco Basso perfectly embodies the style of the estate and its terroir. The grapes come from a small parcel in the Rosazzo hills. Lively but deep aromas of fine straw and smoke notes, crushed almonds, young peach and exotic fruits. The flavour is elegant and perfectly balanced with sweet spice and a pleasant citrus and mineral finish. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

"The 2022 Chardonnay Ronco Basso is understated with a delicate bouquet that blends lime zest with nectarines and hints of vanilla bean. Luxuriously round and supple, this excels through a core of salty minerals and brisk acidity as crisp orchard fruits give way to gingery spice. Full of tension and youthfully coiled, the 2022 finishes long with a bitter tinge that should level out perfectly with maturity." Vinous

The single-vineyard Sauvignon Bianco Lozeta is the result of the avant-garde planting system, which, in contrast to the cultivation method previously practised in Friuli, not only means a higher planting density, but also the intelligent use of clones and biotypes that have been married with French offshoots. It is a further uncompromising and consistent step towards complexity and personality, with optimal utilisation and expression of the existing terroir and microclimate.

Only since the 2019 vintage has the wine found the balance and complexity that enabled Christian Patat to present it to the public in a small edition alongside the famous classics Peri, Sol and Salici. SUPERIORE.DE

"I think it's safe to say that Serena Palazzolo and her husband Christian Patat are at the top of their game, which means that the wines from Ronco del Gnemiz are among the best produced in Friuli today. The choice is vast, as the transparency of the terroir is paramount here. It may be easier to sell and market one or two Sauvignons, Chardonnays or Friulano wines, but the differences between the individual hills, the individual sites and the age of the individual vineyards create such unique expressions that it would be a shame not to produce all six.

When you stand on the hill on which this vineyard is located and look out over the Rosazzo in the Colli Orientali, it becomes clear why these vineyard designations are so important for the future of the region. These hills rise and fall like bubbles, rising from the earth and dropping to the horizon. I can imagine how fascinated a winemaker would be by each of these unique sites. If you make a short list of the best producers in Friuli, you should put Ronco del Gnemiz at the top of the list." Vinous

"The 2022 Sauvignon Lozeta lifts from the glass with an herbal thrust mixed with lemon rind shavings and crushed green apples. This is cool-toned in feel, with lime-tinged acids and mineral tones giving way to crunchy orchard fruits. The 2022 takes on a bit of a tropical flair of florals and citrus through the finale, leaving sour melon to pinch at the cheeks as a salty flourish resonates and a pleasantly bitter tinge adds a lovely punctuation." Vinous

Sauvignon Salici is radiantly bright, crisp and extremely nuanced. Traces of crushed rock and mint are beautifully concentrated in the glass. This energetic Sauvignon displays a highly independent and appealing personality. Salici is the essence of Sauvignon Bianco with a Friulian fingerprint from vines over 35 years old. SUPERIORE.DE

"The 2022 Sauvignon Salici is delicate and floral, mixing crushed stone with lemon zest and freshly sliced nectarines. Seamless and serene, it flows across the palate with silken textures and ripe orchard fruits elevated by a twang of candied lime. The 2022 folds in upon itself through the finish, tart, intense and lightly structured, just begging for further cellaring to reveal its inner beauty." Vinous