Colli Orientali del Friuli
denominazione di origine controllata

Grapes Used
100% Tazzelenghe (Tacelenghe) grapes, an ancient, rediscovered indigenous Friulian grape.

Location of the vineyard
Hills of the Tenuta Sottomonte in the municipality of Buttrio (Udine), Colli Orientali del Friuli D.O.C. zone. Hills and foothills area, predominantly marlyclayey soil East-West exposure.

Training system - yield per hectare
Sylvotz and doppio capovolto with low bud capacity.

Harvest period - vinification methods
Manual grape harvesting, second ten days in October. Red wine vinification with prolonged maceration of the grapes in order to obtain a well-structured wine. Controlled temperature fermentation (25°C).

Maturation and ageing
In Slovenian oak casks holding 5,000 litres and smaller French oak barrels (for a second ageing) for at least twelve months. The ageing continues after bottling in the underground cellars for at least nine months prior to labelling.

Longevity
Over six years

Sensory characteristics
The name (in local dialect means “cuts the tongue”) would seem to stem from the sharpness of the young wine when it is naturally acidic. This acidity can become even more pronounced if the extraction of the tannins is excessive due to prolonged maceration. A hearty and robust wine, Tazzelenghe softens with the normal maturation processes associated with barrel ageing (oxidation and
tannin condensation). The violet colour, intense and winy when young, changes to a deep red with brick hues after ageing. The bouquet is expansive and pleasant with slightly woody undertones.

Food and wine pairings and Service
This wine is well-paired with the rustic hors d’oeuvres of the local cuisine. It is perfect with roasted meats and game. Bring the bottle to room temperature (18°C) before decanting. Let it “breathe” for at least 30 minutes before serving

Bottles produced
2,704 Bordeaux bottles, 750 ml.

Analitycal parameters
Actual alcohol content by volume % Vol. 14.50
Residual reduced sugars g/l 2.40
Total acidity g/l 5.50
Net dry extract g/l 28.60