Gradis'ciutta Cabernet Franc 2013
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Natural ruby red with a violet rim that shifts to garnet/brown with aging. Pleasant intense herbal aromas that are reminiscent of this variety. Herbaceous in nature, displaying richness and harmony. Full and generous, distinct and austere
West of the city of Gorizia in northeastern Italy, there is a group of hills known as Collio where Gradis’ciutta is situated. The Isonzo River flows through this hilly stretch to the southeast, towards the Judrio creek to the northwest, and in the south it merges into the Friulian plain. Appreciated not only for its wines, but also for fruit and olive oil, Collio was once a backdrop for skirmishes during the Great War. Today, the area is synonymous with high-quality white wines. At Gradis’ciutta, Collio’s unique terroir is reflected in the outstanding wines produced, whether they be indigenous or international varietals. Before carrying the name Gradis’ciutta, the vineyard area was known as Monsvini, which in Latin means “Mount of Wine.” The soul behind the constantly evolving reality of Gradis’ciutta is Robert Princic, who got his start in wine at a young age, spending time in the vines every harvest with his hardworking parents, Isidoro and Ivanka. Today, Robert continues to carry the lessons he learned as a boy into the vineyards and his winemaking practices, embodying a deep care and respect for the land. Robert also carries forward the Princic family’s long history with wine, who, as a historical notary deed proves, were producing wine in Kosana as early as 1780.
Cabernet Franc, a proud parent of Cabernet Sauvignon, is the subtler and more delicate of the Cabernets. Today Cabernet Franc produces outstanding single varietal wines across the wine-producing world. Somm Secret—One of California's best-kept secrets is the Happy Canyon appellation of Santa Barbara. Here Cabernet Franc shines as a single varietal wine or in blends, expressing sumptuous fruit, savory aromas and polished tannins.
The source of some of Italy’s best and most distinctive white wines, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is where Italian, Germanic and Slavic cultures converge. The styles of wines produced in this region of Italy's far north-east reflect this merging of cultures. Often shortened to just “Friuli,” the area is divided into many distinct subzones, including Friuli Grave, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Collio Goriziano and Carso. The flat valley of Friuli Grave is responsible for a large proportion of the region’s wine production, particularly the approachable Pinot grigio and the popular Prosecco. The best vineyard locations are often on hillsides, as in Colli Orientali del Friuli or Collio. In general, Friuli boasts an ideal climate for viticulture, with warm sunny days and chilly nights, which allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.
In Colli Orientali, the specialty is crisp, flavorful white wine made from indigenous varieities like Friulano (formerly known as Tocai Friulano), Ribolla gialla and Malvasia Istriana.
Red wines, though far less common here, can be quite good, especially when made from the deeply colored, rustic Refosco variety. In Collio Goriziano, which abutts Slovenia, many of the same varieties are planted. International varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc are also common, but they tend to be Loire-like in style with herbaceous character and mellow tannins. Carso’s star grape is the red Teranno, notable for being rich in iron content and historically consumed for health purposes. It has an earthy, meaty profile and is often confused with the distinct variety Refosco.