2018 Ronco Severo Schioppettino IGT, Friulano, Italy

The exact description according to the DOC regulations reads: Schioppettino di Prepotto, a Subzone of the Friuli Colli Orientali D.O.C. Area. To me it sounds odd that such a premier terroir is indicated as a subzone of a larger area, rather than highlighting the unique quality of the wine! We could have gone the French way and use a synonym of premium-cru to identify the extra quality within the appellation area. Only the perfectly healthy and ripe grapes are hand picked late in harvest. The grapes undergo long maceration with frequent cap push-downs; the pomace is then pressed and the wine racked into oak barrels. The wine remains on the lees for 30 months in 20-hl Slavonian oak barrels and is bottled without filtration or clarification on a waning moon between August and September. This is a great wine. Deep ruby red in colour with purple reflections it displays the characteristic touch of black pepper layered with intense and penetrating notes of wild berries, ranging from raspberries to blackberries. It has a slight tannic bite and a high intensity of aromas.

From the importer