Cabernet Franc is Friuli, Venezia Giulia's second red after Merlot, and Russiz Superiore's organically farmed vines sit where Alpine air and sea breezes cool the hills after a long day of sun, the kind of swing that builds structure without cooking the fruit. Deep ruby, with ripe black cherry, blackberry, and black currant, and just enough green pepper to remind you what grape you're drinking. Elegant and rich up front, silky through the mid-palate, and it hangs around long after the sip.
Winemaker Notes
Russiz Superiore makes this wine from 100% Cabernet Franc, the second most planted red grape variety of Friuli–Venezia Giulia (after Merlot). Proximity to the Alps and the sea, which send cooling afternoon breezes over the vineyards after a warm day of sun, create the ideal situation for producing complex, well-structured wines that are very ageworthy.
Tasting Notes
Deep ruby red. Complex aromas of ripe black cherry, blackberry, and black currant with a hint of green pepper. Elegant and rich, with fresh, silky undertones. Lingering.
Professional Ratings
92
Wine SpectatorFresh and focused, this elegant, medium- to full-bodied red layers flavors of ripe black cherry and raspberry fruit, cured tobacco and milled white pepper with sculpted, supple tannins. Fluid and satinlike in texture on the palate, with a long, fragrant finish. Drink now through 2035.
About the Producer
In the commune of Capriva del Friuli, in the heart of the Collio Goriziano wine area on the border of Slovenia, lies the estate of Russiz Superiore. The place name Russiz dates back at least to 1273, when a certain Raimondo della Torre became the patriarch of Aquileia (essentially, the prince-bishop of Friuli). He named his estate Russiz Superiore for its high (superior) location above the hamlet of Russiz. The estate passed through countless hands over the next several centuries but was known for most of that time as a source of fine wine grapes.
