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Colli Orientali Del Friuli Wine Descriptions

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Colli Orientali del Friuli, is the region with the self-explanatory name meaning “Eastern Hills of Friuli,” in the northeast of Italy. Wine-making has existed here since the Roman times, and it has evolved into one of the most prestigious regions in Friuli. These hillside vineyards have their own unique soil composition known as flysch di Cormons, a mixture of limestone, marl and sandstone rich in mineral content. The region is split into three subzones: Ramandolo in the north, Cialla in the middle and Corno di Rosazzo in the south. 

The celebrity grape of the region is surprisingly not an indigenous Italian varietal, but good ol’ Sauvignon Blanc, making this the Marlborough, New Zealand of Italy (or maybe the white grape equivalent of Maremma). The style is rich and full-bodied, with an excellent mineral backbone thanks to the soil and weather conditions. Though the other white grapes that shine here are indeed local natives Friulano, Ribolla Gialla and Verduzzo, either as varietal releases or in blends. 
 
Piccolit is the varietal that stars in the DOCG late harvest sweet wine Colli Orientali del Friuli Piccolit. This pesky grape often commits a type of horticultural suicide by spontaneously killing its own fruit at the merest hint of floral afflictions, and yields are very low. However, those that do survive, often just 10 - 15 grapes in a bunch, are handpicked and used to produce a honeyed, aromatic and delicate dessert wine that has been a favorite among nobility for centuries. 
 
While white wines reign supreme in Colli Orientali di Friuli, there are also some fine red wines produced from Refosco, Pignolo, Schioppettino, Tazzelenghe and the internatational varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. These are produced as varietal releases, rosso blends, rosato and dessert wines. ~Amanda Schuster
 
– Description from Amanda Schuster

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