Pignolo
Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
Friuli native vine, its origins are documented to be dating back to the 1300. Its cultivation was abandoned in favor of less stingy and inconsistent international vines. Starting from the recovery of a few shoots from the Rosazzo Abbey vineyards, the Colli Orientali del Friuli have been eventually repopulated with this noble vine, capable of producing wines of great character and typicity.
Awards
In 2021 the Pignolo, Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 2016, has been inserted in the Veronelli guide, with a 3/3 stars rating and a score of 93.
Also in 2021, it has been inserted in the Vini Buoni TCI guide, with a 4/4 stars rating, classified among the "Wines not to be missed".
Grapes
Pignolo friuli
Vineyards
Friuli Colli Orientali (Manzano Hills)
Altitude
From the highest terraces, at 200-250 m amsl. with sud-west exposure.
Training
Guyot
Age of the vineyard
20 years
Density
3500 trees/hectares
Yeld
40-50 quintal/hectare
Aging
At least 24 months in Allier oak barriques.
Aging Potential
10-15 years
Terroir
The "Ponca" features low fertility and good water retention, giving unique features to the grapes and the wine such as full-bodied taste and colour, tannins, and minerality. The location of the vineyards on terracings, the Ronchi (top of the hills), and the perfect exposure allow the full ripening of the grapes. The Bora and the winds coming from the Adriatico Sea ensure good ventilation. The remarkable temperature shift from day to night makes the grapes more flavoured and sugary.
The grapes, harvested by hand with on plant selection, re de-stemmed and placed in temperature-controlled stainless steel fermenters where musts and skins remain in contact for about 8/10 days. This stage is followed by complete malolactic fermentation and then a 24 motnhs long aging in Allier oak barriques. It starts as IGT in 2007, it becomes DOC in 2018.
Color
Ruby red with soft purple shades.
Bouquet
Extremely complex on the nose with spicy tones ranging from incense to wax, up to the ripe morello cherry.
Flavor
At taste, the superior class of this wine is immediately recognizable:
balsamic and spicy with strong but soft tannins. Very persistent.
Data
Alcohol 14,5%., Total acidity 6,1 g/l
Pairings
Colli Orientali del Friuli
Sauvignon
Pinot Grigio
Ribolla Gialla
Friulano
