Review: Schiopetto Collio Friulano

The Friulano grape carries the name of the province Friuli in Italy’s North East

Mario Schiopetto first made a name for himself with this wine in 1965, revitalizing the wine industry in that province. People had started to pay attention and now, two generations on, the wines continue to impress with their quality fruit and their elegance.

Elegance and refinement are in fact hallmarks of what is called “The Schiopetto Style” which is in part defined by their motto, “French elegance, German technology and grapes from Friuli.”

Friulano goes by a few other names, such as Tocai Friulano, Sauvignonasse and Sauvignon Vert. In the past, it has in fact been mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc despite its very different expression in the glass.

On the nose, I was pulled in by warm notes of ripe Quince and pear with undercurrents of almond and vanilla. You’ll enjoy those characteristics on the palate along with white flowers and a hint of citrus in the form of Meyer lemon.

To complete your pleasure, there’s a luscious viscosity here, almost as if you’re drinking an Alsatian Pinot Gris in a very ripe vintage.

I once again need to return to the quality of the fruit in this wine, it’s simply superb and at this price, you would expect nothing less. Schiopetto uses no barrels in the production of their white wines and yet there’s a roundness and refinement here that would suggest some age in older barrels.

This is a wine for a serious dinner. Match this with a holiday dinner of roast chicken or glazed ham with squash and yams or with baked halibut with a lemon-caper sauce.

For those interested in trying this wine but wary of investing, I recommend you share a purchase with friends.