Wines from Friuli

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

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

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

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

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 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

Merlot Voos dai Ciamps smells seductively of ripe cherries and plums, complemented by sweet herbs and tobacco. Its silky texture is consolidated by bright acids and inner spice in a savoury expression, while notes of tart red and blue berries pour over its mineral core. The finish is long and lightly textured, leaving earthy tones, hints of lavender and citrus for a characterful final. SUPERIORE.DE

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"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 grapes for this great Chardonnay come from vines that are over 60 years old, and this shows impressively in the depth and complexity of the wine. The full bouquet exudes dusty white flowers and nuances of vanilla bean, contrasted by crushed green apple, curry leaves and rock. Sol is a contrasting, very complex Chardonnay expression with ripe fruit and a silky texture balanced by mineral acids and a hint of acidic citrus. On the palate, it leaves a vibrant tension and refreshment as it finishes with persistence and a hint of almond paste. Forget white Burgundy, the intellectual Chardonnay Sol surpasses all. SUPERIORE.DE

"The Chardonnay Sol 2021 is quite restrained and delicate in the glass, with floral nuances, crushed stones and lime. On the palate, it is much more expressive, with a lively acidity that enlivens the mineral fruits of the orchard. It finishes with a pretty inner sweetness that balances its youthful concentration, leaving a hint of floral apple and pear flavours. The 2021 will need some time to fully develop." Vinous

"A pure Chardonnay of depth and complexity, from barrique ageing. Olfaction that opens on notes of cinnamon, then touches of white melon, wild sage and touches of lemon peel. To the drink spicy-fruity, with officinal-citrus return." Luca Gardini

Deep yellow-green, dense bouquet packed with opulent fruit flavours. Complex and juicy on the palate with a very well-integrated woody flavour. Despite its extroverted nature, the Sauvignon Sol never loses its essential minerality and elegance. Possesses class, length and 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

"Remarkably pretty, the 2022 Sauvignon Sol wafts up with sweet floral perfumes and spices complementing green melon. This washes across the palate with silky textures guided by bright acidity. Vividly ripe orchard fruits and candied citrus tones swirl throughout. Potent and long, this tapers off with a staining of primary concentration yet is full of zesty tension while leaving the mouth watering for more. A combination of richness and energy makes the 2022 Sol impossible to ignore." Vinous

The site near Buttrio, where the grapes of the autochthonous Friulano grape variety originate, is one of the Grand Crus of the Friuli Colli Orientali appellation together with Rosazzo. Not only are there no regulations here, but also a poor, loose marl soil that ensures extremely low yields every year. In good vintages, however, the rewards are all the greater: the volume and fruit concentration, the lower acidity and the unmistakable salinity of the wines will lead to enjoyable heights after a few years of bottle ageing, making lovers of complex, energetic white wines dizzy. 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 Buri Bellaria is coy in the glass, with a delicate blend of young peach and white flowers offset by hints of gingery spice. This is cool-toned and vertical in feel, with crisp minerality and ripe orchard fruits that cascade across a core of zesty acidity. It finishes long, lightly structured and staining yet remarkably fresh. Sour citrus puckers the cheeks." Vinous

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

Merlot Voos dai Ciamps smells seductively of ripe cherries and plums, complemented by sweet herbs and tobacco. Its silky texture is consolidated by bright acids and inner spice in a savoury expression, while notes of tart red and blue berries pour over its mineral core. The finish is long and lightly textured, leaving earthy tones, hints of lavender and citrus for a characterful final. SUPERIORE.DE

AnticaCuvée is a fine, very aromatic Riserva. Nonino uses the traditional still for distillation. The inviting, clear amber colour is the result of ageing in small barrels. The cuvée is given a very special flavour by the small but significant addition of young grappa, which matures for a year in Limousin barriques. Fruity, warm, velvety and long-lasting. SUPERIORE.DE

"Light amber colour. Balanced flavour, some caramel, also herbal, delicate honey. Fresh and dry on the palate, certain saltiness, stimulating and dry on the finish." Falstaff

"Aged longer than most grappas (at least five years) in a mix of casks, including Sherry and a variety of French oak casks. All this yields complex layers that unfurl with each sip: Gentle almond and spice aromas are followed by a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Cocoa powder, golden raisin and clove mingle with sandalwood, cumin and cardamom, eventually landing on mouthwatering lemon peel acidity and a lingering incense-like glow." Wine Enthusiast

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 with 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

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 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 with 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 site near Buttrio, where the grapes of the autochthonous Friulano grape variety originate, is one of the Grand Crus of the Friuli Colli Orientali appellation together with Rosazzo. Not only are there no regulations here, but there is also a poor, loose marl soil, which ensures extremely low yields every year. In good vintages, however, the rewards are all the greater: the volume and fruit concentration, the lower acidity and the unmistakable salinity of the wines will, after a few years of ageing in the bottle, lead to enjoyable heights that will make lovers of complex, energetic white wines dizzy. 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 with 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