INFORMATION PROMOTIONAL 2017 Riserva (bottle sample) Botrytis: 90% A vintage marked by extreme events: a warm winter, spring frost, and a subsequent warm growing season with regular rainfall. The late-season conditions favoured a very significant development of botrytis, also due to the vegetative imbalance caused by the frost. The wine is concentrated, with a strong botrytized imprint that plays a decisive role in both structure and complexity. A nose of remarkable complexity and magnetic character. The impact is that of a true balsamic surge, almost a vapour that at first veils what lies beneath: a deep weave of helichrysum, sandalwood, incense, green tea, and a rare citrus-fruited dimension of such beauty that it calls for a multitude of descriptors. On the palate, it is a whirlwind, yet compared to the previously tasted Riserva vintages it shows an even more graceful progression. Botrytis does not dictate the rhythm with the sheer materiality of its presence; rather, it seems dissolved into a continuous, flowing stream, while the acidic structure, compared to earlier vintages, gains in verticality and drive. There is generosity of material, but never before so well fluidified, resulting in an extremely polished profile. A wine that suggests more than it reveals, yet already offers itself today. Only time remains to await its release. 2021 Botrytis: 20% A warm yet balanced vintage, with good diurnal range and very healthy grapes. Limited rainfall and stable conditions strongly restricted the development of botrytis. Its presence is marginal and non-structural. The wine moves towards greater precision and verticality, marking a return to a style less defined by botrytis influence. A somewhat exemplary expression of the vintage, where lightness and ripeness merge into an airy, dynamic profile, capable of evoking Mediterranean nuances, from fruit to aromatic herbs. Bergamot, together with a clear floral imprint, refines the overall picture with precision. The tasting confirms the wine s stature: a harmonious, finely etched texture, where freshness and ripeness converge at the core of the palate, working in synergy with great finesse. The result is a precise, extended finish, supported by a refined aromatic definition and a clearly articulated saline drive. 2023 Riserva (barrel sample) Botrytis: 100% A complex and very humid vintage, marked by frequent rainfall and strong disease pressure. A long vegetative cycle, slowed ripening, and lower-than-average sugar accumulation, with high acidity and reduced yields. The defining element of the vintage is the massive presence of botrytis among the highest in recent years which becomes a structural component of the wine, contributing to greater depth and complexity. A very young barrel sample that suggests more than it confirms. The nose is expressive and inevitably still in formation, yet already surprisingly defined: almost blessed in its aromatic purity. Sacristy incense takes the lead, followed by tropical-leaning citrus notes and, more freely, beautiful floral tones intertwining without yet forming a complete design. On the palate, much is already hinted at: its core, its soul, a personality emerging more by instinct than by shape. It is an embryo, in the noblest sense of the word. It needs time: all signs suggest it will not disappoint expectations. Along our river: a journey through the flavors of the Tagliamento and the Pordenone area Among the bends of the Tagliamento River, the landscapes of the Magredi, and the rural villages of the Pordenone area, one of the most evocative itineraries of the Friuli Venezia Giulia Wine and Food Route takes shape: Along Our River , a journey that tells the story of the land through vineyards, farms, restaurants, and places of taste where tradition and hospitality meet This itinerary crosses a plain shaped over millennia by the region s great rivers above all the Tagliamento, but also the Meduna and Cellina which have deposited gravel and pebbles, creating the characteristic Magredi, stony and permeable soils. It is precisely this soil composition, capable of retaining heat during the day and releasing it slowly at night, that favors vine cultivation and contributes to the personality of local wines. landscapes, and high-quality production, ideally linking the Adriatic coast to the mountains. The river itinerary stands out for its balance between nature and rural culture: historic villages, cultivated fields, waterways, and vineyards shape an authentic landscape where life still follows the rhythms of the land and the seasons. Here, visitors can discover not only typical products and wines from the Friuli Grave DOC, but also the stories and traditions behind them. Wineries and producers: open doors to taste One of the most fascinating aspects of this route is the opportunity to step directly into local businesses and meet the producers. Many members of the Wine and Food Route welcome visitors with guided tours An itinerary at the heart of the Wine and Food Route Along Our River is one of six thematic routes that make up the Friuli Venezia Giulia Wine and Food Route, a tourism initiative that brings together wineries, restaurants, agri-food producers, and accommodation facilities across the region. Created to promote local food and wine heritage, the project offers a true journey through people, Tagliamento © Fabrice Gallina 96 97