Schiopetto Rivarossa 2016

Drink now through to 2024. No need to decant before serving.

The Schiopetto estate in Friuli is best known for its pioneering role in putting the region’s refined white wines on the map, but the winery also produces some impressive red wines like this Rivarossa. Made with traditional Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, this polished red exudes Old World elegance thanks to the perfect balance between rich fruit flavours, freshness and a firm structure.

The vines are grown on clay soils which are reminiscent of those found on the Right Bank, so it is little surprise that Merlot dominates the blend. To ensure the grapes reach the winery in top condition they are harvested by hand and once they reach the winery they are vinified separately by plot and variety. The wines are then aged in oak barrels for 14 months before the final blending and bottling take place.

The result is a robust yet graceful Bordeaux-style red wine which opens with rich dark fruit, dried herb, and baked earth notes. On the palate there is a medium body, soft tannins, and firm structure which will help the wine to continue to evolve and develop if cellared over the next five or so years.