Eastern Hills of Friuli Picolit
Picolit is an extremely small-scale production of the highest quality wine made from the endemic Picolit grape found in the Colli Orientali del Friuli region. Wine is considered one of the greatest jewels of Italian winemaking for a reason. For centuries it has satisfied the sophisticated palates of princes and church dignitaries, becoming the true pride of the Friuli region. Picolit owes its fame abroad mainly to Count Asquini di Fagagna, which in the first years of the 18th century began producing wine on a large scale, selling them also outside Italy. Characteristic green blown glass bottles were shipped, among others, to London, Paris, Amsterdam and Russia. His clients also included the Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, According to which Picolit "was unmatched among other wines.”
The strain is very delicate and susceptible to any cryptogamous diseases. Additionally because of this, that many of the buds do not bloom at all, very rare clusters remain on the bush, containing a maximum of 10 do 15 berries. Because of such a low crop yield, annual wine production does not exceed 50.000 liters.
The cultivation of this strain has a very long tradition, according to some, Picolit was already known in antiquity. The great enthusiasts of this wine included, among others. the famous Venetian comedy writer Carlo Goldoni, who described them as "the drink of the popes, cardinals and emperors ".
The fruits are harvested by hand in the so-called. late harvest. Then the bunches are placed in flat boxes, where they remain to dry for a period of approx. three months, which precedes vinification.
Picolit tastes best when not combined with any meal. Only then can you feel the freshness and the incredible symphony of tastes and smells, characteristic of wines from the north, as well as admire its concentration and sweetness with a noticeable hint of dried fruit, typical for wines from the south.