Collio is a northeastern region of Italy, bordering on Slovenia. Part of the larger Friuli commune, it recently lost permission to name its most famous white “Tocai Friuliano” anymore. The Hungarians complained it sounded too much like their “Tokaj.” Ah well, the Italian wine is now known as “Tai.” TAi-ing one on has never been so easily spelled …
However, this has little to do with today’s wine! Reds from this same area can be perfumed and tinged with mountain freshness; and Cabernet Franc is often the most successful of these in the right hands. Marco Felluga makes some of the most distinguished, distinctive wines hereabouts, and his Russiz Superiore estate has made a charming, overtly fragrant example in the 2012 vintage.
2012 Cabernet Franc, Russiz Superiore, Collio $28 srp
Bright, translucent crimson color. Forward nose of blueberry, forest green herbs, sour cherry, turned earth and pepper. Fresh flavors of raspberry and cassis appear on a delectable medium-bodied frame. Lively minerality accompanies the balanced, smooth mouthfeel and finish. “Invigorating” is the best adjective to describe this delightful red. Drink now-2020.
90/100 points
To purchase this bottle of wine or to find something similar from a wide selection of wines, email or call Hope Valley Bottle Shop at 919-403-5200. Don’t miss their free wine tastings every Saturday evening from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. Find your favorite bottle or expand your palate with something new from Hope Valley Bottle Shop — South Durham’s original bottle shop. Visit them at the Woodcroft Shopping Center or at hvbottleshop.com.
