Colutta.

Intense ruby red with purple highlights and a fresh aroma, reminiscent of blackberries, raspberries and blackcurrants. The taste offers a slight hint of oak, autumn leaves, moss and fruit.

Country

Italy

Region

Friuli Grave DOC

Grapes

Schioppettino

Vintage

2014

ABV

12

Code

11055

Style

Red

The land in Colli Orientali is considered the best in Italy for Pinot Grigio, because of the climate and the (argile) soil. Giorgio Colutta’s vineyards are in three different locations, all within 5 minutes of each other. Each has the same overall conditions but some are more hilly. Also local weather like hail, for example, may not affect all 3 equally, thus preventing widespread damage to the crop.

The area of Coli Orientali del Friuli has a particular climate shaped by the geography of the region - the Adriatic sea on one side, the Alps on the other. The mountains protect it from the cold winds from the north, and its proximity to the sea tempers the summer heat. There is a big demand for land here with some of the bigger producers anxious to snap up any plots that become available.

Giorgio rents some land in the hills near Manzano from a retired winemaker. When a friend of his got wind this land was available he immediately phoned Giorgio, arranged a meeting half an hour later, and the contract was signed on a scrap of paper out in the field! This vineyard is particularly beautiful with small rolling hills from which villages in Slovenia can be seen.