From: Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
Varietal: Sauvignon
Taste: The 2021 Colutta Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, is a delightful representation of the unique terroir and craftsmanship of the Colutta Winery. This elegant wine presents a beautiful pale straw color with a subtle green hue, displaying the youthfulness and freshness of the vintage. On the nose, it is highly expressive, showcasing vibrant aromas of freshly cut grass, green apple, gooseberry, and passion fruit, with underlying hints of white peach and flinty minerality.
As you take a sip, the palate is greeted by a harmonious balance of crisp acidity and a rich texture, characteristic of the Friuli Colli Orientali region. The wine reveals layers of citrus, green apple, and tropical fruit flavors, intermingling with a delicate herbaceous note and a touch of white floral blossom. The minerality and complexity shine through, leading to a long, refreshing, and satisfying finish.
Pairing: The 2021 Colutta Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, is a versatile wine that can be enjoyed on its own as an aperitif or paired with various dishes. Its bright acidity, fruit-forward profile, and minerality make it an excellent companion for seafood dishes like grilled shrimp, seared scallops, or oysters. Additionally, it pairs well with light salads, goat cheese, and dishes with citrus-based dressings or herb-infused sauces.
For a taste of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, consider pairing this delightful Sauvignon Blanc with regional dishes such as Frico (cheese and potato pancake) or Musetto e Brovada (sausages with turnips). The crisp acidity and herbaceous notes of the wine will complement the rich, savory flavors of these traditional Italian dishes.
The 2021 Colutta Sauvignon Blanc's vibrant acidity and fruity profile make it a great match for vegetarian dishes that incorporate fresh, green ingredients and light, tangy flavors. Consider pairing it with a summer vegetable risotto, a zucchini and goat cheese tart (or check out the zucchini recipe below!), or a refreshing Greek salad with feta cheese and olives. The wine's lively character will enhance and elevate the flavors of these dishes, creating a harmonious and satisfying culinary experience.
Greek Zucchini and Herb Pie
By Martha Rose Shulman
About. The Colli Orientali hills in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, have long been celebrated for their prestigious vineyards and unique terroir. With a complex soil composition, an ideal climate for viticulture, and a rich winemaking history, the region boasts a wide variety of exceptional wines. One such standout is the 2021 Colutta Sauvignon Blanc, a shining example of the quality and character that the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC has to offer.
The Colutta Winery: A Blend of Three Cultures
Nestled among the hills of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, the Colutta Winery sits at the crossroads of three countries: Italy, Austria, and Slovenia. This convergence of cultures lends itself to a rich and diverse influence on the winemaking process, food, and overall experience at the estate. With an 18-acre vineyard and a 17th-century Padronale villa at its heart, the Colutta Winery showcases the perfect blend of tradition and modernity.
A Family Legacy
Established in 1939 by Antonio Colutta, the winery has been a family affair from the very beginning. Today, Antonio's grandson Giorgio oversees the estate, carrying on the family's passion for producing exceptional wines. Colutta's commitment to traditional methods, environmental consciousness, and dedication to quality has led to numerous awards and accolades over the years.
The 2021 Colutta Sauvignon Blanc
Hailing from a special clone selected in Friuli, the 2021 Colutta Sauvignon Blanc is a true testament to the region's enological prowess. This light golden yellow wine boasts a delicate and aromatic scent, making it an excellent choice as an aperitif or a perfect pairing with shellfish, salmon, risottos, and delicate soups. Best served at 10-12°C, the wine undergoes a meticulous vinification process involving soft pressing, refrigeration, and fermentation at controlled temperatures to extract the unique and captivating aromas of the Sauvignon grape.
The Friuli Colli Orientali Sauvignon DOC
The Friuli Colli Orientali Sauvignon DOC is known for its straw color, delicate and slightly aromatic scent, and dry, fresh, and balanced taste. With a minimum alcohol content of 11%, the wine showcases the exceptional qualities of the Sauvignon grape (85-100%) and the subtle influences of local white grapes (0-15%). For those seeking a more mature flavor, the barrel-aged Friuli Colli Orientali Sauvignon Riserva DOC offers a minimum of 11% alcohol content and a mandatory aging period of at least 2 years, beginning on November 1st of the harvesting year.
