The 2011 Friuli Aquileia Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is slightly disjointed on first sniff but eventually unwinds to produce earthy aromas of wild mushroom and autumnal leaf. The wine is thickly extracted and textured with loads of black fruit intensity, tar, resin and spice. Drink: 2014-2016.
The Merk brand in the Friuli Aquileia appellation is owned by the Geretto family. They bought this estate in 1976 and released their first wine in 1978 making it one of the oldest in the area. The grape specialization here is Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso.
Importers: Belvino, www.belvino.com; Artevino, New York, NY; tel. (917) 496-7173