Russiz Superiore Riserva degli Orzoni Rosso Collio DOC

Two years in barrique, twelve months of bottle aging — the Riserva degli Orzoni from Russiz Superiore is not a wine for a quick evening, but one that takes time seriously.

The Russiz Superiore winery is one of the reliable addresses in the Collio DOC, that hilly border area between Friuli and Slovenia known for its mineral soils of sandstone and marl (Ponca). The Riserva degli Orzoni is the estate's red wine — a cuvée that shows what this region can also achieve with red grape varieties.

In the glass, it shows a deep ruby red. The nose opens with black currant and blackberry, plus a distinct accent of cedar wood and dried herbs — the result of long oak aging. On the palate, present but not massive: firm tannin, good acidity structure, a long balsamic finish with hints of dark chocolate and tobacco.

• Food: Braised beef, game ragù, aged Montasio, or aged Pecorino
• Temperature: 17–18 °C, decant one hour beforehand