Collio Friulano DOC - Mario Schiopetto

The Collio Friulano DOC - Mario Schiopetto presents in the glass a bright straw yellow with fine silver reflections. This clear color reveals freshness, precision and careful vinification. On the nose, an elegant tapestry of aromas unfolds, reminiscent of ripe apricot, juicy pear, delicate white blossoms and fresh almonds. Fine notes of linden blossom, a hint of acacia and a subtle almond-biscuit tone evoke memories of holidays in Italy.

Already the first impression on the palate shows why Collio Friulano DOC - Mario Schiopetto is counted among the classics of the region. The wine is dry, with a clear structure and dense yet never heavy fruit. The juicy texture carries aromas of ripe apricot and yellow pear, joined by hints of mirabelle, yellow plum and a touch of citrus zest. Delicate herbal tones such as lemon balm and chamomile set lively accents and ensure freshness right through to the long finish.

The typical Friulano aromatics are revealed in the fine almond note, recalling sweet almond kernels, very delicate marzipan and roasted seeds. At the same time, the aromas of white blossoms bring a floral elegance into play: jasmine, elderflower and a hint of orange blossom lend the wine an attractive bouquet. The acidity is precise, well integrated and feels like a clear, cool stream that carries the fruit and animates the palate.

On the mid-palate, Collio Friulano DOC - Mario Schiopetto shows a fine spiciness. A light almond-skin note, subtle nuttiness and a hint of white pepper set accents without overshadowing the fruit. The wine appears juicy, straight and full of tension. The minerality is reminiscent of wet stone and cool chalk, giving the wine depth and elegance. The texture is creamy but not opulent, with a fine melt that invites the next sip.

The finish leaves a long, clear aftertaste with notes of apricot kernel, pear compote and again these typical almonds. A faint saltiness ensures great drinkability. Collio Friulano DOC - Mario Schiopetto is a wine for connoisseurs who appreciate balance, finesse and precise fruit. It is neither heavy nor loud, but displays a quiet class that unfolds more with every sip and constantly reveals new nuances.

To capture this wine’s character at a glance, the following overview of aromas and impressions is helpful:

1. Nose: ripe apricot, juicy pear, white blossom, delicate almond, fine herbs
2. Palate: dry, juicy, clearly structured, with freshness and a finely spicy core
3. Texture: creamy melt yet slender, with precise acidity and mineral drive
4. Finish: long, elegant, with almonds, yellow fruit and subtle saltiness
5. Impression: stylish white wine from Collio, ideal for discerning connoisseurs and refined cuisine

Vinification of Collio Friulano DOC by Mario Schiopetto

The vines for this wine grow in selected sites in the Collio area in Friuli Venezia Giulia. The vineyards lie on gentle slopes with good air circulation and many hours of sunshine. The soil consists of marl and sandstone, locally called “Ponca”. This special structure gives the wine its mineral streak and clear character.

The Friulano vines are cultivated using nature-oriented methods. The winegrowers focus on gentle canopy work, controlled yields and good ventilation of the grape zones. This allows the grapes to ripen slowly and evenly. Only fully ripe and aromatically concentrated grapes make it into the cellar. Chemical inputs are largely avoided in order to preserve the pure aromas of the variety.

The harvest is usually done by hand, in small crates. This keeps the berries intact and they reach the cellar in perfect condition. An initial selection already takes place in the vineyard. Only grapes with ideal ripeness and intact skins are used for the production of this wine. In the cellar, a further sorting step follows to ensure absolute clarity of the must.

After gentle pressing, the must is clarified, usually by natural sedimentation. Temperature-controlled fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks. Moderate temperatures preserve the delicate aromas of apricot, pear, white blossom and almond. The yeast works slowly, thus preserving fruit, finesse and the typical varietal tones of Friulano.

Afterwards, the wine matures for several months on the fine lees. This lees ageing enhances the texture, provides a delicate creaminess and lends Collio Friulano DOC - Mario Schiopetto greater complexity. Regular stirring of the lees, the so-called bâtonnage, increases the creaminess without diminishing the freshness. Maturation takes place predominantly in stainless steel, partly complemented by neutral larger vessels to give structure without pushing oak aromas to the fore.

Before bottling, the wine rests once more so that all components can harmoniously integrate. The result is a white wine that expresses the Collio region, the Friulano grape and the style of Mario Schiopetto with clarity and precision.

Food recommendations for Collio Friulano DOC by Mario Schiopetto

Collio Friulano DOC - Mario Schiopetto is a versatile food companion whose dry profile, yellow fruit and fine almond note enhance many dishes. Its freshness and minerality make it ideal for Mediterranean cuisine as well as refined dishes from the Alpine region. Thanks to its structure, it suits both as an aperitif and as a partner to a multi-course menu.

The following dishes harmonize particularly well with this wine:

- Scallop carpaccio with lime zest and extra virgin olive oil
- Pike-perch fillet pan-fried on the skin with fennel vegetables and saffron risotto
- Tagliatelle with white asparagus tips, lemon butter and roasted almonds
- Risotto with green asparagus, Parmesan and a hint of grated lemon peel
- Veal loin in a light herb crust with cauliflower purée
- Light poultry such as oven-roasted corn-fed chicken with Mediterranean vegetables
- Fresh burrata with grilled apricot, rocket and roasted pine nuts
- Antipasti platter with mild ham, young mountain cheese and pickled vegetables
- Fish tartare of sea bream or salmon with apple brunoise and a fine lemon seasoning
- Mild, not overly ripe cheeses such as young Taleggio or Robiola

It is also a delight with simple dishes such as bruschetta with tomato and basil or a fine herb omelette. Collio Friulano DOC - Mario Schiopetto makes the flavors of the dishes shine while always remaining elegantly in the background. This turns every meal into a harmonious experience at the table.

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