Visintini
Founded in 1973 by Andrea Visintini, this twenty-four hectare estate has vineyards in Collio, Collio Orientali and Grave del Friuli, and is now controlled by the new generation of Oliviero and his twin sisters Cinzia and Palmira. The wines are beautifully made, each with wonderful expression of both the grape and the 'terroir'. Vineyard practices are gradually moving towards biodynamic, but they will not seek certification so as to allow themselves the flexibility of using certain treatmenst in more difficult vintages. These wines are also extraordinarily good value in what is generally a highly priced region. The latest releases from the difficult 2010 vintage are really lovely, and the long cooler growing season produced wines with great expression and lower alcohol than is the norm.
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Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
Beautiful expression of Friulano, and benefitting in this cooler vintage from a slightly lower degree of alcohol, giving the fruit more clarity.
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Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
This blend of Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Picolit is the only wine in the range which sees any wood, with some 10% of the blend given a short period in oak, only to add an extra dimension to the wine. A smoky nose is followed by an explosive palate of exotic fruit with lovely weight and texture. With great length this finishes with fresh, bright acidity that keep it very drinkable indeed.
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Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
Scented and flavoured with white peaches, lovely texture and expressive acidity keeping the whole long and balanced.
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Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
Not stricly a rosé, but 'Ramato' because of its pale copper tinge which comes entirely naturally from the skins of the grapes, although not specified on the label as legislation does not allow. What also sets this remarkable wine apart every vintage is the wonderful texture of fruit that the Visintinis attain in their Pinot Grigio. Beautifully balanced with a mineral acidity making it a really lovely wine and not just another run-of-the-mill Pinot... (more info)
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Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
Only a tiny quantity of this lovely Riesling because Visinitini only has a tiny amount planted. Almost undectable as Riesling on the nose, and not much moreso on the plate, and yet it is quite alluring; dry, mineral and beautifully textured. Riesling for non-Riesling drinkers?
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Friuli Venezia Giulia Italy
Ribolla deserves a wider audience as one of Friuli's most expressive indigenous varieties. In this cooler vintage the fruit is even more pronounced with a smokiness and lovely texture. Fresh, appley and very long on the finish.