2018 Bastianich - Calabrone Rosso IGT (750ml)

The 2018 Bastianich Calabrone Rosso IGT delivers a concentrated expression of Colli Orientali del Friuli terroir through a native grape blend shaped by partial appassimento and eighteen months of French oak aging. Cultivated entirely on the Bastianich estate, the core of Refosco merges with Schioppettino, Pignolo, and Merlot to construct a structured red wine built for layered complexity and mid-term cellaring.

A selected portion of the grapes undergoes controlled pre-fermentation drying, concentrating natural sugars and acids while gently rounding the tannic backbone. After crushing, the wine rests in small French oak casks for eighteen months, followed by an additional eighteen months of bottle rest prior to release—a measured maturation timeline that seamlessly integrates toasted notes with intrinsic fruit density. Deep crimson hue transitions to pronounced aromas of cooked black cherry, blackberry compote, licorice, and dark cocoa powder, supported by underlying traces of earthy tobacco and roasted espresso. The palate tracks full-bodied and warming, framed by polished fine-grained tannins that propel the rich profile across a prolonged balsamic and lightly saline finish. Excels with hearty preparations including slow-braised lamb shanks, wild boar ragù, grilled venison medallions, and plates featuring Parmigiano-Reggiano, Pecorino Stagionato, or aged goat cheese.