Friulano (2022) - La Cricca

La Cricca is a project born in 2016 out of three friends and the oenologist Giacomo Orlando, with the aim of making artisanal wines that express the terroir of the Colli Orientali del Friuli. The vines are farmed following uncertified organic practices, with limited use of copper and sulphur, and few sulphites are used in the cellar.

The appellation: Friuli Colli Orientali DOC​

The Friuli Colli Orientali DOC is one of the most prestigious appellations of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, celebrated for the production of elegant, mineral white wines, but also for long-lived, structured reds. Established in 1970, the DOC covers one of the most suited areas of the region: the eastern hills of the province of Udine, close to the border with Slovenia. This zone stands out for its variety of microclimates and its marl-sandstone soils (the so-called ponca or flysch), ideal for quality viticulture. The wines of the Colli Orientali combine aromatic finesse, freshness and depth, which makes them perfect both for drinking straight away and for ageing.

What to eat with Friulano

Who makes it: La Cricca

La Cricca is a young wine estate in Craoretto, a hamlet of Prepotto (UD), in the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli. Founded by a group of friends with a passion for wine, among them Luca Comello and Luca Latronico, in collaboration with the oenologist Giacomo Orlando, the estate was born with the aim of making wines that reflect the authenticity and diversity of the Friulian land. La Cricca's philosophy is based on: Respect for nature: sustainable farming practices and minimal intervention in the vineyard and in the cellar. Artisanal production: every bottle is numbered and tells a unique story. Celebration of the terroir: wines that express the distinctive characteristics of the local soil and climate.

The vine of Friulano

Friulano

Friulano is a native white grape variety and a symbol of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, capable of producing elegant, dry and terroir-driven wines, with an unmistakable almond note. Historically known as Tocai Friulano, it took its present name after the agreement with Hungary that banned the use of the term "Tocai" in order to avoid confusion with Hungarian Tokaji. It is today one of the most representative Italian whites for typicity, versatility and aromatic recognisability, often chosen to accompany the dishes of Friulian cuisine.

Friulano: the area of Craoretto

Climate: Continental

Altitude: Low Altitude (0-200 m above sea level)

Soil: Limestone / chalk

Geographical setting: Hilly

Profile of Friulano

Primary aromas: Yellow apple, white peach and Fresh almond

Secondary aromas: Herbaceous notes (sage, camomile) and Hints of green tea​

Tasting notes: The Friulano 2022 from La Cricca shows a bright straw-yellow colour. On the nose it offers intense scents of yellow apple, white peach and fresh almond, with herbaceous notes of sage and camomile. On the palate it is fresh, savoury, with good structure and a pleasant length, closing with the variety's typical slightly bitter note.​