Refosco d.P.R. DOC Superiore
Medaglia d'Oro / Gold Medal
2008 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
- Country: Italy
- Region: Friuli–Venezia Giulia
- District: Friuli Aquileia
- Varietals: 100% Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
- Varietals: Co–op vineyards, single vintage
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- Aging: Minimum 12 to 14 months in French oak barriques and refined 6 months in bottle
- Bottle: 750ml
Winemaker: Azienda Agricola Valpanera
Wine Notes:
Pliny the Elder, who died in the eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD, wrote about Livia, wife of Augustus; that she liked one particular red wine. That wine was Refosco, which at that time was called "Pucinum", and she would drink no other wine. She lived to be 86 years old, an extraordinary age in Roman times.
This traditional style wine has been recently revived as one of the contemporary and renowned gems of Friuli-Venezia Giulia region and is unlike any other red wine from northern Italy.
Like the main Refosco grape, the origins of Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso are not completely known, but current evidence suggest that it is indigenous to Italy. The grape was well known in antiquity and was praised by the Roman writer Pliny the Elder for the quality of wine it produced.
In 1390, the Italian writer Francesco di Manzano noted that wine made from Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso was the favorite of Augustus' wife Livia. Beginning in the 1980s, the grape experienced a revival in interest along with other Friuli–Venezia Giulia grapes, and more wines made from the grape were exported internationally.
Winemaker Notes:
An intense and lively ruby red color tending towards garnet. Light and reminiscent of brushwood, blackberries, and very delicate spices. A full bodied wine, with a long, slightly green finish and slight, subtle bitterness that mellows with age.
This wine can be enjoyed young and becomes more refined for 4 to 5 years.
At its best when opened 45 minutes or longer prior to serving.
Pairing:
Pairs well with roasted meats, barbeque, pasta, fried fish, shellfish, and risotto.
