What kind of wine is Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 'Vespa Bianco' 2021 - Bastianich?

The Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 'Vespa Bianco' 2021 - Bastianich is one of the iconic wines from the renowned Cividale del Friuli winery, crafted to showcase the excellence of Friulian white wines. It is made from a blend of indigenous and international grapes – including Chardonnay, Sauvignon, and Picolit – sourced from the well-exposed and ventilated slopes of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, a region that produces fresh, mineral, and highly balanced wines. The result is a white wine with a decisive yet refined character, capable of combining aromatic elegance and structure, with an extraordinary ability to evolve over time.

Vintage Details

The 2021 vintage was characterized by a balanced climate: a mild spring and a long summer with good temperature fluctuations between day and night favored slow and complete grape ripening. This trend allowed for the development of extraordinary aromatic complexity, while maintaining the natural freshness that has always distinguished Vespa Bianco.

Winemaking and Aging

After manual harvesting, the grapes are gently pressed, and the must ferments partly in steel and partly in oak barriques, small wooden containers that allow the wine to oxygenate slowly, gaining softness and complexity. This is followed by a period of aging on the lees, which contributes to imparting depth to the taste profile and a pleasant, long finish.

Tasting Notes

The Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 'Vespa Bianco' 2021 - Bastianich is a wine that delivers a complete sensory experience, where elegance and freshness merge into a harmonious and refined whole.

Color

It appears in the glass with a brilliant golden yellow, a sign of maturity and aromatic richness.

Nose

On the nose, it opens with aromas of yellow-fleshed fruit such as peach and apricot, followed by floral notes and hints of honey and almond. The slight nuances of vanilla and sweet spices, deriving from aging in wood, enrich the bouquet without ever overpowering the varietal freshness.

Palate

On the palate, it is ample, soft, and enveloping, supported by a lively acidity and a pronounced minerality that give it structure and elegance. The finish is long, clean, and savory, with interesting fruity returns and slight hints of toasting.

What to pair with Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 'Vespa Bianco' 2021 - Bastianich

Versatile and refined, Vespa Bianco is ideal for accompanying dishes rich in flavor yet balanced in texture. It pairs perfectly with:

• First courses based on fish such as seafood risotto or pasta with shellfish
• Delicate white meats and baked preparations
• Semi-aged cheeses or fresh goat cheeses
• Light Asian cuisine, thanks to its acidity and aromatic component

A perfect wine also for an important aperitif or to accompany a fish menu during an elegant dinner.

Storage and aging: how to store Friuli Colli Orientali DOC 'Vespa Bianco' 2021 - Bastianich wine

Despite being a white wine with excellent structure, the Vespa Bianco 2021 should be stored with care to best preserve its characteristics. It is recommended to keep it in a cool, dark place with a constant temperature around 12-14°C, avoiding temperature variations and direct light sources. The bottle should be kept horizontally to keep the cork moist.

The wine expresses its personality best within the first 2-3 years from the harvest, but it can evolve positively for some time, developing more complex and honeyed notes. A perfect balance between youthful fragrance and aging potential.