Italy

Bastianich

Premariacco

Bastianich

Winemakers: Emilio Del Medico & Maurizio Castelli

The hills of Colli Orientali near Udine are famous for being home to some of Friuli’s best terroirs. Here, the vineyards’ terraced hilltop positioning, southerly exposure, rich ochre-amber soil and proximity to the Adriatic (30km to the south) and alps (50km to the north), combine to create the ideal climate for viticulture. Warm days of perfect sunshine are followed by cool nights that lock in fruit aromas and slow maturation to yield wines of impeccable balance, finesse and power.

After dedicating their lives to ‘bringing the traditions of the Italian family to the American palate’, the establishment of the winery in 1997 by Lidia Bastianich and her son Joe was a homecoming of sorts. The fundamentals of the Bastianich approach are simple: take the best varieties of Friuli, highlight their unique expression and, in so doing, educate and invigorate the consumer. Six Tre Bicchieri already is testament to the success of their passion and approach.

Vespa Bianco, created to showcase the power and evolution of a great Friulian white blend, is 45% Sauvignon, 45% Chardonnay and 10% late harvested Picolit. The Sauvignon and Chardonnay are vinified separately – half in barrique, half in stainless steel – while the Picolit ferments in tonneaux. Following vinification, the wines stay on lees for almost a year before blending. You then get a tightly wound and complex balance of citrus and minerals, evolving with time to honey and pear. Its powerful structure and acidic backbone give it both immediate impact and cellaring potential. Friulano is fermented in stainless steel, followed by nine months on lees with frequent battonage. Medium-bodied with ripe pear, almonds and zesty acidity, the wine offers great value with textbook varietal typicity that accompanies seafood as well as it does prosciutto San Daniele.

Wines
Friulano DOC
Vespa Bianco IGT