Petrussa | Friuli, Italy

In the culturally rich region of Friuli, located between Venice and Triste, below the Julian Alps and above the Adriatic Sea, you can discover the family vineyard of Petrussa, and their impressive selection of Italian wines. Petrussa family vineyards, run by brothers Gianni and Paolo, started three generations ago, and are known within the Friuli region for creating innovative wines with indigenous grape varietals.

Since the reign of Romans viticulture has thrived within the rolling hills of Colli Orientali del Friuli, founded by Julius Caesar. The terroir of this location utterly unique, due to the microclimate and soil, which is comprised of layered sandstone sediment called flysch, creating an abundantly mineral rich environment for vine roots, as well as, excellent drainage. These exceptional environmental factors being the primary reasons why this region is home to some of Italy’s most captivating grape varieties, such as Schioppettino, grown since the 13th century, known for being deep in color, medium bodied, earthy, with violet aromatics somewhat similar to Syrah and Cabernet Franc.

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded Schioppettino of Petrussa 91 points, “This is an offbeat wine with a lean, mid-weight performance in the mouth. The first wave of aromas is tarry and resinny. Those dark aromas cede to crushed black pepper, cured tobacco and tilled earth. In the mouth, the wine offers juxtaposed tones of dark sweetness followed by savory smoke. It is aged in large oak casks for two years. Only 6,000 bottles were made. I could imagine a food pairing with a fatty pork dish.” James Suckling noting the Schioppettino for being a fruity wine with a medium body, light tannins slightly firm finish.

Brothers Gianni and Paolo, whose grandfather started the vineyards at Petrussa.

Overall Petrussa works with 8 various varieties of grapes: Scioppettino, Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Bianco, Verduzzo, Chardonnay, Merlot and Sauvignon. Of the latter varietal, Wine Enthusiast proclaimed, “This luminous wine is redolent of exotic fruit. Petrussa delivers a great drinking experience thanks to the lively aromatics and natural freshness of its crisp Sauvignon.”

Chardonnay on the vines at Petrussa's vineyards.

To perfectly pair Petrussa’s wonderful wines, we recommend incorporating regional recipes from the region, which include Italian, Germanic and Slavic influences. For their white wines, homemade pasta in a cream sauce with clams, savory Spaetzle or buckwheat noodles with mushrooms, as well as fresh fish. For their robust red wines, grilled meats, sausages, locally cured Prosciutto San Daniele. If you feel a craving for dessert, we suggest a creamy, chocolatey Tiramisu or warm apple strudel.