Vineyard and winemaking
This wine is made entirely from Refosco, a dark-skinned native variety of Friuli noted for its vivid acidity, firm tannin and characterful bramble fruit. The vines are cultivated at the Brandolini family’s Vistorta estate, where well-drained soils and a measured approach to organic farming encourage freshness as well as ripeness.
The fruit was vinified at controlled temperature to retain Refosco’s distinctive perfume and dark-fruit definition. A period of maturation in wood helped round the variety’s natural structure and introduced quiet savoury complexity without diminishing the wine’s energetic, mineral character.
Tasting notes
Appearance
Deep garnet red with lingering purple reflections.
Nose
Blackberry and damson lead a distinctly vinous nose, followed by sour cherry, bramble leaf and violet. Notes of black pepper, tobacco and a discreet touch of vanilla add depth as the wine opens.
Palate
Dry, medium-bodied and firmly shaped, with dark berry fruit set against lively acidity and fine, savoury tannins. A mineral undertone and gentle wood spice carry through to a clean finish of blackberry, dried herbs and pepper.
Food pairing
Pair with pork and fennel sausages, grilled lamb cutlets, venison ragù with pappardelle, or lentils with roast beetroot and smoked cheese. Its acidity is especially useful with richer charcuterie and slow-cooked tomato dishes.
Background story
Vistorta has been part of the Brandolini d’Adda family’s Friulian estate for generations. In the late 1980s Brandino Brandolini began a far-reaching vineyard and cellar renewal, working with Bordeaux winemaker Georges Pauli to bring greater precision to the estate’s red wines.
Although Vistorta is particularly renowned for Merlot, Refosco reveals another side of the property: a distinctly north-eastern Italian variety with freshness, structure and a strong sense of place. Allow the 2015 a little time in the glass and serve at around 16–18°C rather than warm room temperature.
