Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc Collio DOC 2023

Friulian Cabernet Franc

Cabernet Franc

Capriva del Friuli, Collio, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, ITALY

Russiz Superiore is one of the historic estates of Collio, the hilly wine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia that runs along the Slovenian border. Collio is best known for its whites, but Cabernet Franc has long had a home here, and this bottling shows exactly why.

The fruit comes from 20 to 50 year old vines planted on the region's signature soils of marl, sandstone and clay, known locally as ‘ponca’, which give the wines freshness and minerality. After 10 to 15 days on skins and fermentation in stainless steel, the wine completes malolactic and spends 12 months on its lees in small French oak barrels, followed by 6 months in bottle before release.

Expect blackcurrant, red plum and raspberry, with Cab Franc's classic leafy, herbal lift, alongside graphite, cocoa and gentle cedar spice from the oak. Medium to full-bodied, with fine-grained tannins and fresh acidity carrying a long, savoury finish.

A Cabernet Franc with northern Italian elegance: structured, detailed and built for the table.

Serve at 16-18°C with roast pork, venison, braised beef, mushroom dishes or frico, the Friulian potato and cheese favourite. Drinking well now, with the structure to cellar for another 10+ years.