Vigneti Montebello (2016) - Il Roncal
In the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, the Il Roncal winery guards a secret with its roots deep in the past: Pignolo. This almost forgotten grape variety was at risk of dying out until, in the '70s, a group of passionate growers decided to bring it back to life. Il Roncal played a key part, tending its grapes with dedication in the Vigneti Montebello. The revival of Pignolo is a story of passion and resilience, a tribute to Friulian tradition that today comes through in every bottle of the 2016 harvest, a vintage that celebrates the continuity and excellence of this unique terroir.
Vigneti Montebello (2016) - Il Roncal
Type: Red Wine
Area: Italy, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Colli Orientali del Friuli
Appellation: Friuli Colli Orientali DOC
Grape variety: Pignolo
Vintage: 2016
Winery: Il Roncal
Alcohol: 14%
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.
Find out more about Friuli Colli Orientali DOCWhat to eat with Vigneti Montebello
Who makes it: Il Roncal
Read more about Il RoncalThe vine of Vigneti Montebello
Pignolo
Pignolo is a black grape variety indigenous to Friuli Venezia Giulia, and in particular to the Colli Orientali del Friuli area. Although less well known than others, this variety has a fascinating history and a growing reputation among wine lovers. Pignolo is known for its ability to express the unique terroir of the region, giving rise to wines of great character and complexity.
Find out moreVigneti Montebello: the Colli Orientali del Friuli area
Colli Orientali del Friuli
The Colli Orientali del Friuli, in the north-eastern part of Friuli Venezia Giulia, are one of the most prestigious and historic wine areas of Italy. This hilly territory, which stretches between the province of Udine and the Slovenian border, has a unique terroir with soils of Eocene origin known as "ponca", rich in marl and sandstone. These soils, combined with a mild climate influenced by the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, create ideal conditions for producing high-quality wines.
Find out more about Colli Orientali del FriuliClimate: Continental
Altitude: Low to mid altitude (200–500 m above sea level)
Soil: Limestone / chalk
Geographical setting: Hilly
Profile of Vigneti Montebello
Primary aromas: Cherry, Ripe red fruit
Secondary aromas: Spices, Vanilla
Tertiary aromas: Leather, Tobacco
Tasting notes: An elegant wine with notes of red fruit and spice, well-integrated tannins and a long finish.
| Sulphites | yes |
| Body | Full-bodied |
| Acidity | Medium-high |
| Tannin | Medium-high |
| Sweetness | Dry |
| Finish | Long |
| Colour | Ruby red |
| Clarity | Clear |
Winemaking methods used for Vigneti Montebello
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel
Temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel is a technique that makes it possible to produce fresh, fruity, clean wines, preserving the varietal aromas of the grapes at their best.
Find out moreAgeing methods used for Vigneti Montebello
In barrique (19–36 months)
Ageing in barrique for between 19 and 36 months is a technique reserved for great wines for laying down, where wood becomes an ally of depth, structure and aromatic development. This kind of maturation – slow and steady – allows the wine to integrate tannins, alcohol and acidity perfectly, encouraging the development of complex tertiary aromas (leather, tobacco, spices, cocoa) and a silky, enveloping texture.
Find out moreTime on the lees for Vigneti Montebello
- No contact with the lees