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Riesling Renano Colli Orientali del Friuli
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Classification: DOC (Denominazione d'Origine Controllata / Quality wines produced in a specific region)
Color: More or less intense straw yellow
Region of production: Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Udine zone)
Minimum alcohol content: 11%
Grapes used: 85 to 100% white Riesling
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EUROPEAN STYLE, FRIULI FLAVOR |
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The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in the northeast of Italy has a natural predisposition for wine growing and the area's eastern hills are where this marvel achieves its highest expression. Near Gorizia along the Slovenian border, this fertile hilly area is the home of grapes imbued with inimitable mellowness and incomparable fragrance and flavor. The geological structure of the terrain has led to the development of ideal grape-growing soils, rich in lime, calcareous clay and sand, supporting the cultivation of some 2,000 hectares of vineyards, protected to the North by the Alps and exposed to the mild breezes of the Adriatic.
A highly versatile grape of ancient origins, the Riesling matures slowly, producing small clusters of fruit that are capable of withstanding very cold temperatures. This grape's name, obviously, reveals it's Teutonic origins. Coming from Germany's Rhine region, the Riesling grape was imported into Friuli-Venezia Giulia where it was planted in hilly areas and where it has been able to adapt perfectly.
The noble character and lineage of this fine grape translates into a remarkably well-balanced Riesling wine, which is as fresh as it is aromatic. Best served between 8 and 10°C, in order to bring out its elegant acidity, it is drunk from stemmed glasses with a slightly protruding cup. A versatile wine, it can be enjoyed throughout the meal, from the antipasti on through to the first and second courses.
As an aperitif it is lovely with egg dishes, such as the famous, tasty frittate (omlettes) with herbs, a delicious specialty that can be enjoyed throughout the region. It also brings out the best in the local frico, a melted cheese preparation containing potatoes and onions and resembling an omelet, but much heartier. Friuli-Venezia Giulia's Riesling wine has a velvety flavor that brings out the best in first courses made with herbs and is at its very best with second courses featuring fish, especially the local fish soup made with steelhead, but it's also great with the typical sardelle in sạr preparation, i.e. sardines that are fried then covered with a sprinkling of spices and chopped aromatic herbs.
This fine, full-bodied wine boasts a slightly fruity bouquet that recalls lemon blossoms. It goes very well with soft cheese: tender goat's cheese from Carnia or the local crema from Friuli-Venezia Giulia, a very soft cheese made from milk and cream, perfect for spreading over a slice of bread. And be sure to try it with some Formella del Friuli, a creamy cheese with a rich, almost sweet taste, although the flavor changes from maker to maker; plus, there's the delicately-flavored traditional mountain version, which has holes in it.
This Riesling renano dei Colli Orientali also comes in a special "riserva" version, which has been aged for a longer period of time, and the "superiore" version, with a slightly higher alcohol content of 11.5%.
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