Robert Princic has long been fascinated by Franconia, a grape variety of Austrian origin which was at one time widely planted in Friuli but has now become something of a rarity. This wine is the realisation of a long-held ambition and the first step in a longer term project to forefront Franconia in the company portfolio.

The grapes are sourced from old vines in the top Isonzo village of Farra d’Isonzo and vinified and aged without oak to bring out the distinctive aromatic character of the variety.

Immediately attractive in the glass, with its bright, pale ruby shade and inviting with strata of aromas which open with the floral notes of dark blossoms, intense fruit (maraschino cherry and plum), sweet spicy suggestion of cinnamon, and a final hint of savoury herbs. On the palate the attack is fresh and the progression round and soft. This is a seductive mid-weight red with great harmony, low key tannins and very astutely managed tension between the sweetness of the ripe fruit and the savoury tension.

Pale ruby shade

Dark blossoms, cherry and plum

Low key tannins, ripe fruit, savoury tension

This is a very versatile wine, which would accompany a wide range of cold cuts and light