"Primarûl - the first among the first. In the Friulian language, 'Primarûl' means firstborn, progenitor, the first among the first. The first of all: the first grapes to be harvested by the founder Daniele Venica and the first must to be vinified. Friulano Doc is the most consumed white wine in Friuli, the firstborn in the heart of the people of this land. The quintessential 'taj di blanc' of the Friulians. This is the name that Gianni and Giorgio Venica, on the occasion of the company's 90th anniversary, wanted to attribute to our Friulano, in honor of the grape variety and grandfather Daniele."
-Winery notes
In 2016, Pépière's classic, earliest-release bottling saw an addition to the label, the "La Pépie" moniker, because of the necessity of adding non-estate fruit to the production (Pépière had 85% of their own crop devastated in 2016 due to mildew). It marks the first time the estate has purchased fruit.
It comes from neighboring parcels that match their terroirs and work philosophy. The wine is a combination of said purchased fruit and estate fruit, 50% of which comes from vineyards that could technically produce cru bottlings.
-Importer notes (Dressner)
A lovely bright purple, with a stunning bouquet. I want to gulp this straight way. Really classy on the palate, with a precise crisp finish. A joyous wine showing that you can make fabulous pinot at higher yields (55 hl/ha in this case) now that the grape...
Another rare alpine variety from Savoie specialist Philippe Grisard. This Verdesse offers ripe yellow stone fruit aromas and flavors with hints of lemon zest and fresh thyme. It's medium-weight with a certain creaminess on the palate, but its vibrant acidity keeps it fresh and light on its feet. Verdesse was a rather more popular variety in the past, but there are barely more than 25 acres in total planted today. I'm glad to have been able to stash a few bottles away for myself, because it's no longer being imported. If anyone wants to cross another obscure variety off your list, here's a delicious chance! - John Fitter | Addy Bassin's
On February 6th, 1930, Daniele Venica signed a preliminary purchase agreement for a farmhouse in Cerò, a location within the municipality of Dolegna del Collio, thus becoming the progenitor of the Venica family and the founder of the namesake estate. At that time, the central part of the estate consisted of approximately 10 hectares, including a rural house, a barn, vineyards, fruit trees, and surrounding arable land. Therefore, the Sauvignon "Ronco del Cerò" is a particularly significant wine for the winemakers of Dolegna, as it evokes the origins of the winery and is historically connected to four generations of the family.
Fruity notes stand out, reminiscent of apricot and aromatic herbs such as sage and thyme. The Malvasia "Pètris" is marked by a strong mineral character. Apricot returns upon tasting. Salinity, accompanied by mineral undertones, takes the lead. Long aromatic persistence.
The Pinot Grigio presents itself as fresh and lively on the nose, with a floral bouquet, hints of yellow peach, and a touch of minerality. On the palate, it is enveloping, offering fresh and savory sensations. The fruity notes reappear, culminating in a mouth-closing with a pleasing mineral finish.