Region: Friuli Colli Orientali, Italy
Varietal: Tazzelenghe
Tasting Notes: Intense red color with violet reflexes, strong in mouth. Tough and sturdy wine that softens itself during the normal processes of ageing related to barrel-ageing (condensation and oxidation of tannins). The purplish-red color, intense, vinous when young, dims to change in red with Garnet reflexes with ageing. The bouquet is ample and pleasant with mild hints of wood.
-friulitalianwines.com
Pairing: In a nutshell, vegetarians should go for roasted root vegetables and rich mushroom dishes, meat eaters should be thinking braised meats. Venison being a very popular choice where this wine is produced. If you are feeling adventurous this Braised Tongue by Gabrielle Hamilton is killer with this wine!
About: "Friuli Colli Orientali ("eastern hills of Friuli") is one of the most significant DOC titles used in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in the far northeastern corner of Italy. The Colli Orientali hills are home to some of Friuli's most prestigious vineyards. The terroir is similar to that of the hills around Gorizia (see Collio Goriziano) and the two areas use many of the same grape varieties. Friulano (aka Sauvignonasse in France) is the leading grape here – unsurprising given its name.
The Colli Orientali hills themselves are the product of millions of years of alpine tectonics and geomorphology, and this shows in the complex, stratified, mineral-rich soil. Vineyards here enjoy a certain increased altitude (averaging 400 meters/1300ft) and are terraced on gently rolling hills, which is ideal for quality viticulture." (edited from wine-searcher)
Tazzelenghe is a black-skinned wine grape variety native to Friuli-Venezia, in the far northeast of Italy. The name Tazzelenghe means "tongue cutting" in the Friulian dialect, and is merited by the variety's strong, mouth-puckering tannins and acids.
