2020 Conte d'Attimis Tazzelenghe Colli Orientali DOC Friuli-Venezia Giulia 6pk 6x750ml

February 15, 1585. That's the date the d'Attimis-Maniago family took the hill at Buttrio, in the Friuli Colli Orientali east of Udine. Four and a half centuries later, the estate still sits where it always sat, on marl and sandstone soil streaked with clay — locals call it ponca.

Friuli built its reputation on white wine. This family kept working the native reds anyway: Pignolo, Tazzelenghe, Schioppettino. Tazzelenghe is the house specialty — a red so tannic the name translates to "tongue-cutter." This bottling softens the bite by blending Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot into the frame, along with a drop of rare Picolit. The result is structured, concentrated, and surprisingly balanced.

The 2020 shows garnet in the glass with ruby edges — the color of a wine that's already had time. The nose is warm and layered: red fruit, sour cherry, a note of dry hay, and oak that sits underneath rather than on top. The palate is dry and powerful, with sweet licorice and dark jam up front and a tar-and-undergrowth edge on the finish. Long, and still climbing.

Decant ten minutes before pouring. Serve at 18–20°C. Pair with game, braised meats, or hard cheeses.