Rosade Furlane, Merlot Venezia Giulia IGT, 2018
Rosade Furlane, Merlot Venezia Giulia IGT, 2018
- Red Still
- 75CL
- 12.5%
- Merlot
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The Rosade Furlane winery is located in the cool sub-alpine region of Veneto in the north-eastern corner of Italy. Gigi Valle and his winemaking sons Paolo, Marco and Ilaria pioneered the use of cold fermentation and stainless steel vats within this region. These techniques are a driving force behind the freshness of their wines.
This is an easily approachable Merlot with a good weight of juicy black stone fruit and a lick of spice. It’s a versatile food wine - soft yet refreshing. Not lacking in structure (which is one of the problems with Merlot at this level), the bright acidity offers a backbone to the damson and plum fruit overlaid with a little earthiness and cedar notes.
At eight years old, this 2018 Merlot has reached its intended drinking window, with primary fruit flavours well-integrated and accessible. The wine was crafted for early to medium-term consumption rather than long ageing. Over the next few years, expect the bright fruit to soften slightly whilst the earthy and cedar elements become more pronounced. By 2030, the wine will likely lose some of its fresh character, though the structure should maintain balance.
What the critics say:
"Soft and easy to drink but certainly not lacking in character, this fruity little number from Italy really delivers with its rich plummy flavours. We think it represents good value at this price, and after an hour in the fridge lends itself to almost anything – so no need to keep for special occasions. (7 best chilled wines, Aug-2018) "
Tasting Notes
AppearanceDeep ruby with purple edges, showing the wine's youthful concentration.
NoseRipe damson and black plum dominate, with subtle cedar and earthy undertones. The cool fermentation preserves fresh fruit aromatics whilst allowing gentle spice to emerge.
PalateJuicy black stone fruit leads, supported by bright acidity that gives backbone to the wine. The earthiness carries through from nose to palate, with cedar adding complexity without overwhelming the fruit character.
FinishMedium length with lingering plum fruit and a gentle spice fade.
Overall impressionAn approachable yet structured Merlot that avoids the pitfalls of the variety at this level.
Food Pairings
In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, this style of Merlot pairs naturally with the region's hearty cuisine influenced by Austrian and Slavic traditions. Locals enjoy it with goulash, roasted pork with sauerkraut, and the famous San Daniele prosciutto served with fresh figs. The wine's fresh acidity cuts through rich dishes like frico (cheese and potato cake) and complements game birds from the alpine forests. During cooler months, it accompanies polenta with wild mushrooms and aged Montasio cheese.
We think this wine would go well with
Serve at 16-18°C to showcase the fruit whilst maintaining freshness - an hour in the fridge as suggested by critics works perfectly. No decanting required; this wine is built for immediate enjoyment. Use medium-sized Bordeaux glasses to concentrate the aromatics without overwhelming the palate. The wine benefits from slight chilling, making it more versatile than many reds.
Rosade Furlane sits in the cool sub-alpine terrain of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where continental influences from the Alps meet Mediterranean breezes from the Adriatic. The region's well-draining soils and significant diurnal temperature variation allow Merlot to retain natural acidity whilst developing ripe fruit flavours. This climate creates wines with more structure than many Italian Merlots, avoiding the soft, jammy character that can plague the variety in warmer zones.
Venezia Giulia IGT covers a broad area in north-eastern Italy, offering winemakers considerable flexibility in grape selection and winemaking techniques. Unlike the stricter DOC classifications, this IGT designation allows producers to focus on quality and innovation rather than traditional constraints. The region encompasses both coastal and alpine influences, creating diverse microclimates that suit international varieties like Merlot alongside native grapes.
The 2018 growing season in Friuli delivered the kind of balanced conditions that producers dream about. A mild winter gave way to a wet spring that replenished soil moisture reserves, followed by a consistently warm and dry summer with occasional beneficial rainfall. The key was excellent diurnal temperature variation during ripening, particularly in the hillside vineyards of Collio and Colli Orientali, where cool nights preserved crucial acidity while warm days developed full phenolic maturity. Harvest began in ideal conditions during early September, allowing producers to pick each variety at optimal ripeness.
This is a vintage that captures Friuli's distinctive character beautifully. The white wines show exceptional purity and mineral precision, with Friulano displaying its characteristic almond notes alongside vibrant citrus, while Pinot Grigio achieved real depth without losing its crisp elegance. Sauvignon Blanc reached impressive aromatic intensity, and the indigenous varieties like Ribolla Gialla show remarkable complexity. The reds, though less prominent in the region, also performed well with good structure and balanced tannins. Most 2018 Friuli whites are drinking superbly now and will continue to develop over the next three to five years, while the premium examples from top sites have the structure for longer cellaring.
FAQs
Why is this Merlot different from typical Italian examples?
The Valle family's cold fermentation techniques and the cool sub-alpine climate preserve natural acidity, creating more structure than many Italian Merlots. This avoids the soft, overripe character common in warmer regions.
Should I chill this red wine?
Yes, an hour in the fridge enhances the wine's fresh character and makes it more food-friendly. This technique works particularly well with fruit-driven reds from cooler climates.
How long will this 2018 vintage keep?
Drink by 2030 for optimal freshness. The wine was designed for early to medium-term consumption rather than extended cellaring, though proper storage will maintain quality through its drinking window.
What makes Friuli-Venezia Giulia suitable for Merlot?
The region's continental-Alpine climate provides crucial diurnal temperature variation, allowing grapes to ripen whilst retaining acidity. The cooling influences prevent the jammy character that can plague Merlot in hotter zones.
Is this wine suitable for casual drinking or special occasions?
Both - the wine offers enough character for contemplative drinking but remains approachable for everyday enjoyment. Its versatility with food makes it particularly useful for entertaining.
How does the IGT classification affect quality?
Venezia Giulia IGT offers more flexibility than stricter DOC rules, allowing producers to focus on quality and innovation. This freedom enables techniques like cold fermentation that enhance the final wine.
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