Rosade Furlane, Merlot Venezia Giulia IGT, 2018
Rosade Furlane, Merlot Venezia Giulia IGT, 2018
- 75cl
- 12.5%
- Red Still
- Merlot
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Optimal drinking window: 2026 - 2027
The Rosade Furlane winery is located in the cool sub-alpine region of Veneto in the north-eastern corner of Italy. Gigi Valle and his winemaking sons Paolo, Marco and Ilaria pioneered the use of cold fermentation and stainless steel vats within this region. These techniques are a driving force behind the freshness of their wines.
This is an easily approachable Merlot with a good weight of juicy black stone fruit and a lick of spice. It’s a versatile food wine - soft yet refreshing. Not lacking in structure (which is one of the problems with Merlot at this level), the bright acidity offers a backbone to the damson and plum fruit overlaid with a little earthiness and cedar notes.
"Very inviting plummy nose and lots of delicious fresh fruit on the palate. Smooth and creamy, the tannins are soft and supple, perfectly framing the core of rich fruit. Very quaffable!"
Dylan, Wine Guru
This 2018 is showing beautifully integrated fruit with the earthy, cedar elements now fully woven into the plum core. The primary fruit has evolved from bright and juicy to more nuanced damson and stone fruit flavours. It's likely at its peak now, with the balance between fruit and structure perfectly harmonised. We'd expect it to hold this lovely drinking phase for a year, after which the fruit may begin to fade while the earthy elements become more prominent.
What the critics say:
"Soft and easy to drink but certainly not lacking in character, this fruity little number from Italy really delivers with its rich plummy flavours. We think it represents good value at this price, and after an hour in the fridge lends itself to almost anything – so no need to keep for special occasions. (7 best chilled wines, Aug-2018)"
Food Pairings
In Veneto's sub-alpine region, this style of Merlot would traditionally accompany hearty mountain fare like polenta con funghi porcini or risotto all'amarone. The local preference for slightly chilled reds makes perfect sense with game dishes like coniglio in umido or brasato al Barolo-style beef braises. Aged Monte Veronese cheese and bresaola della Valtellina would be classic pairings, where the wine's acidity cuts through rich, cured flavours. The versatility that comes from proper structure means it works equally well with simple grilled sausages from the local markets.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 14-16°C — slightly cooler than most reds, which brings out the freshness that makes this wine special. No need to decant, though thirty minutes breathing in the glass will help the cedar and spice elements emerge. Use medium-sized Burgundy glasses rather than large Bordeaux bowls, as the fruit is elegant rather than powerful.
The vineyards sit in Veneto's cool sub-alpine zone in northeastern Italy, where the proximity to the Alps moderates temperatures and extends the growing season. The cooler climate preserves natural acidity in the grapes, particularly important for Merlot which can lose structure in warmer zones. These conditions, combined with the Valle family's cold fermentation techniques, create wines with unusual freshness and backbone for the variety.
Venezia Giulia IGT covers a broad area of northeastern Italy, allowing winemakers considerable freedom in grape selection and winemaking techniques compared to stricter DOC regulations. The classification encompasses diverse microclimates from alpine foothills to coastal plains, unified by a focus on expressing varietal character rather than strict territorial rules. This flexibility has attracted innovative producers like the Valle family who prioritise fruit quality and modern techniques over traditional constraints.
The 2018 vintage in Friuli brought the kind of growing season that makes winemakers nervous until the very last grape hits the press. A wet spring delayed flowering, then summer turned properly hot and dry, stressing the vines just enough to concentrate flavours without shutting down completely. The saving grace came with September's cool nights, which preserved the acidity that gives Friulian whites their backbone and allowed the reds to ripen without losing their freshness.
What emerged from the cellars was a vintage with real personality – wines that show more muscle than the delicate 2017s but retain the precision that makes Friuli special. The Pinot Grigio has genuine weight behind its minerality, while Friulano displays that honeyed richness it achieves in warmer years without going flabby. Ribolla Gialla positively sings with concentrated citrus, and the Merlots from Colli Orientali show dark fruit with real structure. Most are drinking beautifully now, though the best reds will reward patience until 2026.
FAQs
What does this wine taste like?
Juicy plum and damson fruit with cedar and spice, but the real appeal is the bright acidity that gives it proper structure — rare in Merlot at this level.
When should I drink this wine?
It's drinking beautifully now and will continue until 2030. At eight years old, the fruit and structure are perfectly integrated.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Brilliant with game dishes, aged cheeses, or simple grilled meats. Try it slightly chilled with bresaola or polenta dishes for a proper Veneto experience.
How should I serve this wine?
Serve at 14-16°C — cooler than most reds — to show off its refreshing character. No decanting needed, just open and pour.
Is this wine worth cellaring?
It's at its peak now rather than a cellaring wine. Drink until 2030 while the fruit remains vibrant and the structure perfectly balanced.
Why is this Merlot different from others?
The Valle family's cold fermentation techniques preserve the natural acidity that usually gets lost in Merlot, giving this wine backbone and freshness instead of the typical soft, flabby character.
OUR GROWERS
Rosade Furlane
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