Scarbolo Refosco 2013
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James
Suckling -
Wine
Spectator
Product Details
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Somm Note
Winemaker Notes
Intense and deep ruby red with violet reflections. Notes of white pepper unfold to aromas of sweet plum jam and earthy spices. The wine has a bold and robust structure, akin to the character of a native “Friulian”.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A very spicy nose with brambleberries, underbrush, forest floor, cigar box and cassis. Full body, chewy tannins and a structured finish. Some rusticity, but I like it.
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Wine Spectator
Loamy earth and forest floor notes form a savory thread that winds through the crushed mulberry, blackberry pâte de fruit and wild herb flavors in this mouthwatering, medium- to full-bodied red, with light, snappy tannins. Offers a creamy, subtle finish. Drink now through 2025.
Scarbolo is a boutique family winery established in 1982 and today helmed by its third generation. Finding its nest in Friuli – Italy’s northeastern-most region, embraced by the Alps and the Adriatic Sea – the Winery pays homage to the uniquely gifted white wines its Land offers, focusing on the little known heritage of Pinot Grigio.
Originating from Grave, one of its lesser known appellations, the philosophy and wines of Valter Scarbolo embody a spirit of innovation, progress and at times rebellion, while proudly expressing the elegance, persistence and, most importantly, balance so unique to the Friulian terroir.
Today led by daughter and son Lara and Mattia, the Winery, in a metaphorical fashion of the growing Wheels in its logo, carries forward with dynamism and consolidates the original integrity, while shaping a contemporary, idyllic, and all-embracing credo.
After growing in the Friuli region of NE Italy for the last 2,000 years, Refosco has adapted to both the region’s hillside vineyards and flatter plains. Hardy enough to withstand any tumultuous fall weather, Refosco finishes ripening relatively late in the season; its intense fruit and aromatics require the time. Interestingly Refosco is related to the Teroldego grape of Trentino through their common parent grape, Marzemino. Somm Secret—It was documented in 1390 that Refosco was the favorite wine of Augustus Caesar’s second wife, Livia.
The source of some of Italy’s best and most distinctive white wines, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is where Italian, Germanic and Slavic cultures converge. The styles of wines produced in this region of Italy's far north-east reflect this merging of cultures. Often shortened to just “Friuli,” the area is divided into many distinct subzones, including Friuli Grave, Colli Orientali del Friuli, Collio Goriziano and Carso. The flat valley of Friuli Grave is responsible for a large proportion of the region’s wine production, particularly the approachable Pinot grigio and the popular Prosecco. The best vineyard locations are often on hillsides, as in Colli Orientali del Friuli or Collio. In general, Friuli boasts an ideal climate for viticulture, with warm sunny days and chilly nights, which allow grapes to ripen slowly and evenly.
In Colli Orientali, the specialty is crisp, flavorful white wine made from indigenous varieities like Friulano (formerly known as Tocai Friulano), Ribolla gialla and Malvasia Istriana.
Red wines, though far less common here, can be quite good, especially when made from the deeply colored, rustic Refosco variety. In Collio Goriziano, which abutts Slovenia, many of the same varieties are planted. International varieties like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc are also common, but they tend to be Loire-like in style with herbaceous character and mellow tannins. Carso’s star grape is the red Teranno, notable for being rich in iron content and historically consumed for health purposes. It has an earthy, meaty profile and is often confused with the distinct variety Refosco.