2007 Monopolio della Contessa, IGT della Venezia Giulia

The Monopolio/Monopoly referred to is an ancient 50 - 80 year old vineyard located among the prized calcareous clay and sandstone (ponca) hills of Collio in Friuli. Since 2006 Christian Patat, the man behind Necotium, has taken out a twenty year lease from the vineyard's owner, a Countess. The wine is a blend of indigenous varieties Friulano 80% and Malvasia Istriana 20%, fermented only in cement, without malo. The result is a staggering pure yet richly characterful wine, showing notes of hay, wild herbs, and nectarine stone fruit definition;

the palate meanwhile is full but driven, with the sort of pristine, stone-fruit and crushed rock/minerals (and even a hint of honey mealiness from the Malvasia) flavours you'd normally associate with top Poully-Fume, complete with a salty tang. Further proof of this famous region's potential. Enjoy as an aperitivo or alongside chicken or sea-fish.
(David Berry Green, BBR Buyer)