Valpanera Refosco d.P.R. Superiore DOC

Country: Italia
Region: Friuli Aquileia, Friuli–Venezia Giulia, Italy
Varietals: 100% Refosco Dal Peduncolo Rosso
Co–op Vineyard/Vintage
Alcohol: 13.0%
Aging:8 to 12 Months in french oak barriques refined 6 Months in bottle
750ml

Winemaker: Agricole valpanera Friuli Aquileia, Friuli–Venezia Giulia

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, an extraordinary age at Roman times.

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, but becomes more refined for 6–8 years.

At its best when opened 30 to 45 minutes or longer prior to serving.

Pairing:

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