Torre Rosazza Pignolo 2018

Torre Rosazza Pignolo 2018 is a deeply characterful red wine from the hills of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, crafted from one of Italy’s most intriguing native grapes. Pignolo is renowned for its intensity, structure, and longevity, and this bottling captures the variety’s authentic, almost rediscovered soul. Sourced from historic vineyards once linked to the ancient Rosazzo monastery, it offers a rare glimpse into Friuli’s winemaking past, reinterpreted with modern precision and care.

Tasting Notes
In the glass, Torre Rosazza Pignolo 2018 shows a dense, deep ruby color with garnet reflections at the rim, signaling both concentration and the beginnings of evolution. The nose is expressive and layered, with dark cherry, blackberry, and plum at the core, intertwined with notes of dried herbs, licorice, tobacco leaf, and subtle hints of cocoa and sweet spices from oak aging. On the palate, this Pignolo is full-bodied and firmly structured, with vibrant acidity and pronounced, finely grained tannins – a hallmark of the variety. Flavors of black fruit and sour cherry are framed by earthy undertones, balsamic nuances, and a touch of leather and graphite, leading into a long, savory finish. The 2018 vintage is still youthful and energetic, with significant aging potential: it will reward cellaring over the next 8–15 years, developing greater complexity, softness, and tertiary notes with time.

Production
The grapes for Torre Rosazza Pignolo 2018 come from hillside vineyards in the Colli Orientali del Friuli area, a terroir defined by its ‘ponca’ soils – stratified marl and sandstone – and a climate moderated by both the Alps and the nearby Adriatic Sea. This combination provides excellent drainage, marked day–night temperature swings, and a long, even ripening season, ideal for a late-ripening, demanding variety like Pignolo. The grapes are harvested by hand at full phenolic ripeness to ensure perfect selection of bunches. In the cellar, fermentation takes place with extended maceration on the skins to extract color, tannin, and aromatic richness, followed by maturation in wood (often a mix of barriques and larger oak casks) to polish the structure and add complexity while preserving the grape’s distinctive character and regional identity.

Food & Serving
Torre Rosazza Pignolo 2018 is a natural partner for rich, savory dishes that can stand up to its structure and intensity. Think slow-braised beef or veal, game meats such as venison or wild boar, roasted lamb, or hearty stews with mushrooms and root vegetables. It also pairs beautifully with aged cheeses, such as mature Montasio, pecorino, or Parmigiano Reggiano. Serve at 16–18°C (60–64°F) to highlight its aromatic complexity and balance. Decanting for 1–2 hours before serving is recommended, especially in its youth, to open the bouquet and soften the tannins.

Producer
Torre Rosazza is an esteemed estate in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, situated in the Rosazzo hills, a historic area long associated with viticulture and the nearby Rosazzo Abbey. The winery has played an important role in the revival and promotion of native Friulian varieties, with Pignolo standing out as one of its signature grapes. By recovering vines from the ancient monastery vineyards and replanting them in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, Torre Rosazza has helped bring this nearly forgotten noble variety back to prominence. Their commitment to quality, terroir expression, and local heritage has made them a respected reference point in the region and an ambassador for Friuli’s distinctive, ageworthy red wines.

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