Vigna Petrussa
The Land
Vigna Petrussa is an environmentally-friendly boutique winery in Albana di Prepotto, right by the Slovenian border. The eight hectares of vineyards are located in one of the best wine-making corners within the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, where it produces circa 40,000 bottles a year. The Judrio Valley is blessed with a clean breeze from the Adriatic Sea, the protection of the Julian Pre-Alps and a marked thermal excursion which favours the development of aromatic substances in the grapes. But the real magic lies in the typical terroir, the ‘Ponka’, a combination of layers of marl (calcareous clays) and sandstone (calcified sands), which provide the minerals the plants need to produce grapes of undisputed quality. The vines return the favour by crumbling the easily eroded marly soils with their roots, eventually creating the gentle and striking beautiful morphology of this area. Ian d’Agata, the leading experts in Italian wine, described Vigna Petrussa as one of Italy’s best and most under the radar estates
The People
Vigna Petrussa is a family business dating back to 1850, female-led from 3 generations.
Grandma Giuseppina lost her husband in the 70’s, but she wasn’t going to lose the family vineyards as well – so she decided to take charge of the operations. As no Italian man would work for a woman in those times she decided to employ her Slovenian neighbors – a partnership that continue to these days. Once 80, daughter Hilde took over. Just like her mother, Hilde was a firm believer in the potential of the Schioppettino grape and was instrumental in creating the Schiopettino di Prepotto Producers Association, of which she was the first female president. Recently her daughter Francesca decided to retire her career as architect to dedicate herself full time to the land of her family. Thanks to her renewed energy and approach Vigna Petrussa has been awarded the SQNPI (Italian National Quality System for Integrated Production), the top sustainability certification in Italy.
The Wines
Schioppettino “RiNera” IGT Venezia Giulia
Taking its name from one of Schioppettino aliases (Ribolla Nera) this wine is made in stainless steel to display the joyful fruit character of the grape. Ruby red with heady aromas and flavours of green peppercorn and black cherry, coupled with juicy zingy acidity and freshness.
A lively, sincere red. A native grape well rooted in its land, with a vinous and fragrant bouquet, with captivating notes of raspberry and strawberry, blackberry coulis, nutmeg and black pepper. At the same time concentrated and broad, with hints of red fruit and sweet spices in evidence, subtle yet intense. It expresses a good underlying mineral complexity, speaks of its land with great directness.
Ideal with soups, roast white meats and fish in sauce, chicken tikka masala, tacos and fajitas.
Awards: Terroir Sense 94/100; Gambero Rosso “Two Glasses”; Vinous 91/100; Ian d’Agata “Top World 100”
Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso DOC Friuli Colli Orientali
Made with the renowned ‘red stem’ variety of Refosco grapes, left to air-dry for 20 days to soften the tannins and concentrate the flavours. A deep purplish red hue, with aromas of dry summer hay and red berries jam, leading to an enticing round palate of ripe black fruit.
“A unique son of our land. A native one that envelops with its full body and elegant softness. Its colour is purplish red, the aromas are intriguing and intense. The palate is full and silky with soft tannins”
Excellent with sliced meats, roasted red meat and game, Peking duck, ginger chicken, stewed meat
Awards: James Suckling 90/100; Vinous 91/100; Gambero Rosso “Two Glasses”; Wine Hunter “Red Medal”; Vini Buoni d’Italia “Two Crowns”; Falstaff 92/100; Japan Awards: Silver Medal; Decanter DWWA: Silver Medal 92/100
Schioppettino di Prepotto DOC Friuli Colli Orientali
The Prepotto Cru is obtained from a careful selection of perfectly ripen grapes from low-yield vineyards, aged in small barrels for 24 months. At once concentrated and broad, with suave but densely packed red fruit and sweet spice flavours. It boasts a lovely almost pinot noir-esque tang and underlying mineral complexity.
“A true thoroughbred, with a strong personality. A terroir wine produced in its own sub-zone, where the indigenous Schioppettino grapes express their full potential. Obtained with very low yields from carefully selected bunches, hand-picked at their perfect ripeness. Vinified with indigenous yeasts, it matures for 24 months in wood and 12 in the bottle. Intense red colour and perfume characterised by a seductive spicy note typical of the variety”
Excellent with velvety mushroom soups, fermented cheeses, roast meat and game, chicken tikka masala, Singapore-style rice noodles and sweet and sour dishes.
Awards:DWWA Gold Medal 95/100; Gambero Rosso “Two Glasses”; James Suckling 90/100; Vini Buoni d’Italia “4 Crowns”; Sakura Japan: Gold Medal
