Archive: Italy: Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Red

Bella Sera 2003 Merlot Delle Venezie ($7). Strong cherry vanilla aromas introduce moderate red cherry and berry fruit laced with light herbal and spice notes. Good pizza wine. Ready to drink now. (Bargain Wine 04/05)

Campanile 2006 Pinot Grigio Grave del Friuli ($10). Juicy green apple picks up touches of mineral and pear syrup. Simple but tasty. Ready to drink now. (Robyn’s Picks 04/08) Locate this wine online or in your area.

La Tunella

2001 Cabernet Franc Colli Orientali del Friuli ($14). Dazzling purple-hued, with a sweet jammy bouquet. Soft red berry fruit, with herbal and lavender notes that linger on the finish. Not a huge Cab Franc, but still appealing. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 03/03)

2001 Merlot Colli Orientali del Friuli ($14). Lovely, promising bouquet of sweet bing cherry and spicy chocolate was promising. Starts bright and fruity, with round mellow flavors. Stops short mid-palate, with not much in the way of a finish. Ready to drink now. (Weekend Wine, 03/03)