The 2009 Sauvignon Blanc Piere Sauvignon literally explodes with tons of energy and focus. Pears, green apples, white peaches, mint and sage are some of the notes that flow from this mid-weight, nicely delineated Sauvignon. Smoke, ash and slate develop later, adding further complexity to the generous, inviting finish. Anticipated maturity: 2012-2019. Proprietor Gianfranco Gallo has a preference for rich, textured wines. In 2009, a year that saw a long heat wave at the end of August, many of his wines are even bigger than they usually are. The best selections, though, possess terrific overall balance. Vie di Romans has a fabulous website (www.viediromans.it) full of technical information on recent vintages and the estate’s wines, among other topics. Readers should be aware that Vie di Romans is owned by members of my wife's extended family. I have always viewed education as an important component of wine criticism. An article on Friuli without these wines would have been incomplete and ultimately the consumer would have been poorer for their exclusion. For those reasons I have chosen to include the wines in this report. Neither my wife nor I have any financial or other interest, direct or indirect, in this property. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

The 2008 Sauvignon Blanc Piere is a fabulous wine. Expressive varietal aromatics are deftly balanced by pears, white peaches and almonds. There is a weightless elegance to the Piere in 2008 that is particularly beautiful. Pure, crystalline aromas and flavors come together in the glass, supported by a chiseled vein of minerality that gives the wine its sense of proportion. The finish is textured and totally harmonious. This is a stunning 2008 Sauvignon considering how challenging the harvest was for most growers. Anticipated maturity: 2011-2016. This is a beautiful set of wines from Vie di Romans and proprietor Gianfranco Gallo. Vintage 2008 wasn't easy, which makes these wines all the more commendable. At press time I was notified that the estate's importer would change with the 2009 vintage. Readers should be aware that Vie di Romans is owned by members of my wife's extended family. I have always viewed education as an important component of wine criticism. An article on Friuli without these wines would have been incomplete and ultimately the consumer would have been poorer for their exclusion. For those reasons I have chosen to include the wines in this report. Neither my wife nor I have any financial or other interest, direct or indirect, in this property. Importer: Vias Imports, New York, NY; tel. (212) 629-0200

The 2007 Sauvignon Blanc Piere Sauvignon presents an opulent fabric of ripe apricots, minerals, smoke, honey and minerals. The Piere is the richer of the estate’s Sauvignons, and here the use of French oak plays a greater role in shaping the wine. Anticipated maturity: 2010-2017. Proprietor Gianfranco Gallo is one of the leading producers in Friuli. His wines typically seek a rich, lush expression of fruit. In 2007, though, many of the wines come across as overly heavy. Readers should be aware that Vie di Romans is owned by members of my wife’s extended family. I have always viewed education as an important component of wine criticism. An article on Friuli without these wines would have been incomplete and ultimately the consumer would have been poorer for their exclusion. For those reasons I have chosen to include the wines in this report. Neither my wife nor I have any financial or other interest, direct or indirect, in this property. A Marc de Grazia Selection, various American importers, including: de Grazia Imports; tel. (417) 732-4200; Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; (516) 677-9300, Estate Wines Ltd., San Rafael CA; (415) 492-9411, Giuliana Imports, Boulder CO; (303) 547-6343, Robert Houde Wines, Bensenville IL; (630) 422-1119