In addition to the flagship brand Ronco dei Tassi, the Estate produces the unique label Vigna del Lauro. With Fabio Coser at the helm, Vigna del Lauro is a gem of a winery comprised of a series of small single-vineyard sites nestled primarily in the heart of the Collio, in the township of Cormòns. Vines are planted with ideal southern exposures at altitudes ranging from 140 to 200 meters (459-656 feet) above sea level. A wide variety of wines are produced, focusing on both typical Friulian and international grape varieties, though total production of these Collio and Isonzo DOC wines is miniscule and rarely exceeds 6,000 cases.
The official Collio wine-growing zone encompasses a banana-shaped area among the hills around Gorizio, in the far north-eastern corner of Italy on the border with Solvenia. Friuli Isonzo is located in the far southeastern part of Friuli, on a plain of alluvial soils along the Isonzo river just south of Collio, hence the name. Both the Collio and Isonzo benefit from an excellent diurnal temperature variation (given the proximity to the Adriatic Sea providing warm daytime winds and cool night-time breezes from the mountains to the north) combined with nutrient-rich soils, creating an ideal environment for growing vines and producing unique, high-quality wines.
The winemaking philosophy of Vigna del Lauro is based on quality/quantity control in the vineyard, embracing tradition supported by modern know-how and state-of-the-art equipment. There is minimal outside intervention, in order to best maintain the individual varietal character of each unique grape and allow that character to be fully expressed in the wines.
This is a substantial, medium-bodied Pinot Grigio that entices with freshness and an underlying minerality. Creamy and fruity at the same time with delicious cooked apples and pears intermingled with hints of crushed stones and lemon rind. A lovely finish.
Along with the autochthonous Friulian varietals, Sauvignon Blanc has become one of the most prevalent, and appreciated, white grapes in the region, included in the Collio Bianco blends or vinified “in purezza” (in purity), as in the case of the Vigna del Lauro Sauvignon. Upon tasting, notes of white pepper and green paprika are integrated into a fruity display of crabapples and pears. A refreshingly light to medium body and finely tuned acidity conclude in a satisfying and attractive finish.
This lightly oaked Chardonnay is a fine example of the Friuli terroir, expressing classic weight and structure with aromas of crisp apple, white flowers and subtle hints of tropical fruit and vanilla spice. A lively palate with a satisfying weight, this wine finishes with just the balance between fruit, minerality, and acidity. The value of this Chardonnay cannot be overstated compared to classic Burgundy or California Chardonnay.
Friulano (Tocai Friuliano) is the most important white grape variety in the Fruili region. Vigna del Lauro’s single-vineyard Friulano expresses typical varietal notes of citrus, pear and almond, rounded out with elegant floral perfumes and a rich, creamy texture that is a perfect accompaniment to food. A quintessentially Friulian white wine.
Delicious dark berry flavor and notes of pepper with a surprisingly refreshing acidity. This Cabernet Franc boasts a smooth and elegant mid-palate and graceful finish. The alcohol content is a moderate 12.5%, making this an ideal wine to enjoy with or without food. On warmer days, it’s nice served slightly chilled.
Intense ruby red with garnet reflections. Fruity, slight herbaceous, with distinct raspberry fragrance in youth, in time acquiring aromatic complexity and notes of cherry, berry, and violets. Full, dry, and slightly tannic, with great body and texture. Pairs well with both white and red meat, game, and seasoned cheeses.
The Ribolla Gialla is elegant and fruity with sweet aromas and flavors of sliced apple and honey laced with a delectable hint of cream. A medium body and persistent finish are balanced by plenty of freshness. This is an exemplar wine of precision and complexity, from the northeastern Cormòns area of Friuli, home to the best vineyard sites.
The name Refosco, an autochthonous red variety from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, comes from “ràp fosc” in dialect, literally “dark bunch.” In the glass, this Refosco flaunts a beautiful ruby red color with purple reflections, giving way to a well-defined bouquet of berries, violets and spice. Flavors explode on the palate with intense, yet bright and fresh, expressions of plums, black cherries, anise and roasted coffee. The wine is persistent with mildly grippy tannins that pair excellently with food, from cheese and charcuterie to meat and game.
