Description
This is the classic fish wine; excellent with risotto and vegetable soups; also pairs well with light white meats and sweet cheeses. The gravelly, sandy subsoil of Grave del Friuli forces the roots of the vine to grow deep into the earth, resulting in richer fruit. Select grapes of optimum ripeness were gently pressed immediately after harvest and underwent a 15-day cold-temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks. Neither malolactic fermentation nor oak was used. Winter was particularly dry with below-normal temperatures. A cold spring with heavy rains slightly delayed vegetative growth, especially for early ripening varieties like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The first 10 days of June had heavy rain; over the last 10 days, temperatures hit record levels. The heat extended into the harvest, causing a dramatic reduction in both local and national production. In Friuli Grave, vineyards in Pighin’s Risano estate have irrigation systems that were used all summer. This helped manage the drop in quantity, but, most importantly, it allowed grapes to reach optimal ripeness, excellent overall quality and exceptional organoleptic values. The Friuli Grave whites show great personality, freshness and cleanliness: attributes that confirm the 2012 harvest’s excellent quality.
