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Star Producers of Colli Orientali del Friuli DOCG Part 1: The Wines of Miani

A story of microscopic yields and total commitment to quality 

Enzo Pontoni's masterful wines are beautifully crafted, expressive, detailed and very classy, they have become sought after for their remarkable depth of flavour and concentrated texture without ever being heavy or unbalanced. His white wines, for many experts, are most likely not just the best in Friuli, but perhaps in Italy.

We're very excited to have got our hands on some recent bottlings by this cult producer from the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC. 

Miani Saurint Sauvignon blanc, Friuli Colli Orientali 2020 £99 per btl.

There are two bottlings of Sauvignon which are barrel-fermented but far finer and more complex than most made in this style. Of the the separate bottlings we prefer the Saurint which has a more acidic spine and precise focus. Lively straw yellow. Explosive tropical nose of papaya, lime, passion fruit and grapefruit plus a fine smoky minerality. On the palate the corresponding impression is of many layers piling up into a taste experience which is almost indecent! Rarely have we had such a pure energetic and concentrated wine in the glass.

These are some of the finest Sauvignons coming out of Italy and Miani's world renowned reputation is built on wines of this style. 

Miani Merlot, Friuli Colli Orientali 2018 £170 per btl

Up unitl 2016 Miani vinified 2 single vineyard merlots Buri and Filip.In 2016 Enzo decided to process the grapes into a single Merlot bottling of two top vineyards masterfully combined. Both vineyards have 40 year old vines and the wine is aged in new oak and old oak but remains pure with the enticing berry and plum expression too rarely seen in Merlot from around the world and manages to avoid underripeness even in cooler vintages. 

The benefit to the wine from blending the two parcels was in balancing the plumpness of the Filip with the power and structure of the Buri. On the nose plum, raspberry jam and pomegranate. On the palate juicy fruit, soft tannins and remarkable depth and length.

Miani Refosco dal Pedenculo Rosso 2018 £170 per btl

 The Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is a red grape variety that owes its peculiar name to the red color of the stems.It is a late ripening grape variety and is known for producing wines that are full-bodied with high levels of acidity with a slightly herbaceous nose 

The wine shows itself in the glass with a deep ruby ​​red color, while the nose gives an intense and complex bouquet where ripe red fruit and elegant spices are clearly recognizable, then leather, tobacco and ethereal hints. In the mouth the wine is opulent, full, deep, balanced with flavours of sour cherries, plums, graphiite, flowers and minerals. A wine that can be enjoyed now or kept for many years. 

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