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Refosco d.P.R. DOC

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Medaglia d'Oro / Gold Medal
2009 Concours Mondial de Bruxelles
 
Silver Medal
2009 Decanter World Wine Awards
  • 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 months in stainless steel
  • Bottle: 750ml

Winemaker: Azienda Agricola Valpanera

Wine Notes:

Refosco is a varietal native to the northern Italian areas of Friuli, Gavi and Trentino. Refosco is an Italian family of dark–skinned grapes. The grape is also known as Terrano and Teran. Of ancient and somewhat mysterious origins, the Refosco grape is known for producing wines of considerable weight and power.

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 86years old, an extraordinary age in Roman times.

Refosco was considered for a long time to be the French varietal Mondeuse Noir, but the jury is still out. In Friuli, where it is known as Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, the Refosco with the red stalk (peduncle), referring to the red stem that holds the grapes to the vine. Refosco makes tannic and hardy red wines with high levels of acidity and currants. Recent versions have taken well to new oak and cold fermentation.

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’s 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 ruby red color with violet reflections. Fruity, with elegant scents of blackberry, raspberry and brushwood. The palate mirrors the bouquet with fresh fruitiness and well balanced, with the significant tannins that are typical with this grape variety. 

This wine can be enjoyed young and becomes more refined for 2 to 3 years.

At its best when opened 305 minutes or longer prior to serving.

Pairing:

Pairs well with roasted meats, barbeque, pasta, fried fish, shellfish, and risotto.

Price: $17.98