A release of some 3,000 bottles, the Conte d'Attimis-Maniago 2009 Friuli Colli Orientali Pignolo has submitted to a soft and relaxed state, thanks to the long decade of aging since the harvest. There's an almost exotic element to the fruit, with mulling spice, baker's chocolate, crème de cassis and a very clearly delivered hint of cherry liqueur. The primary fruit has faded, but the wine compensates nicely with elegant tertiary aromas that never feel tired or heavy. Indeed, the wine lays out plenty of freshness over a mid-weight texture to keep things lively enough for a typical Friulian frico—a cheese and potato pie.