Crafted from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, the Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc is a true gem from the renowned Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in Northern Italy. This medium-bodied wine boasts an intense ruby-red hue and a bouquet of refined complexity, showcasing vibrant black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant notes, complemented by subtle vegetal aromas like bell pepper. Aged for 12 months in French oak and further refined in the bottle, its palate is rich and elegant, marrying soft tannins with refreshing acidity for a balanced, velvety finish. Perfectly paired with roasted meats, wild game, or hearty pasta dishes, this wine exemplifies finesse and tradition, ideal for both casual enjoyment and sophisticated gatherings.
Process & Profile
Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc is crafted exclusively from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes, grown on vineyards nestled at altitudes between 80 to 200 meters above sea level. The terroir consists of sandstone, limestone, and clay soils, which contribute to the wine's structure and minerality. The grapes undergo careful vinification, starting with cold maceration on the skins, followed by aging for 12 months in small French oak barrels and an additional six months of bottle aging. This meticulous process ensures a well-balanced and age-worthy wine with depth and finesse.
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Style: Medium-bodied and fragrant
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Sustainability: Produced with sustainable farming practices.
Tasting Notes
Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc greets you with an intense ruby red hue and an aromatic bouquet of great elegance. Its nose combines fruity notes of black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant with vegetal hints, including bell pepper and spicy tapenade. On the palate, this wine impresses with its rich body, soft tannins, and refreshing acidity, creating a long-lasting finish that reinforces its aromatic complexity.
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Aroma: Black fruit (blackberry, blackcurrant), bell pepper, and spice
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Palate: Balanced freshness, supple tannins, and a long, refined finish
What Makes It Special
This wine stands out for its harmonious blend of fruitiness, herbaceous character, and subtle oak influence. The unique microclimate of the Friuli region—where cooling breezes from the Alps meet sunlight from the Adriatic—provides optimal conditions for ripening grapes, resulting in a wine of exceptional structure and elegance. Its aging process in French oak adds layers of richness without overpowering the wine's natural flavors, showcasing the artistry of Marco Felluga's winemaking tradition.
How to Enjoy
Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc is a versatile wine, ideal for pairing with a variety of dishes. To fully appreciate its flavors:
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Serving Temperature: Best served at 16°C (61°F) in a wide glass to amplify its aromas.
- Tomato-based pasta (cannelloni, meat sauce)
- Grilled or roasted meats, such as free-range roast chicken or lamb
- Saffron risotto or mushroom-based dishes
- Aged cheeses or charcuterie boards.
For a polished experience, decant the wine 30 minutes before serving to allow its flavors and aromas to fully develop.
Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc is not just a wine, but a testament to the balance between nature and craftsmanship. Whether celebrating a special occasion or indulging in a gourmet meal, this wine is a perfect choice for those who appreciate richness and refinement in every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc?
This wine is produced in the Collio DOC region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, specifically in the Russiz Superiore estate in Capriva del Friuli. The region benefits from a unique microclimate created by its proximity to both the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, providing ideal conditions for growing Cabernet Franc grapes.
What does Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc taste like?
This wine has a rich and complex flavor profile with notable aromas of red and black fruits like black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant, combined with vegetal hints such as bell pepper. On the palate, it is medium-bodied, displaying a well-balanced fusion of freshness, soft tannins, and a long, elegant finish.
What food pairs well with this wine?
Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc is an excellent choice for pairing with hearty meat dishes such as roasted meats, wild game, cannelloni, and beef. It also complements pasta with meat sauces, saffron risotto, and mushrooms. For a lighter option, free-range roast chicken is a great match.
What is the best way to serve this wine?
This wine should be served at an optimal temperature of 16°C (60.8°F) in a wide glass to enhance its aromas. Decanting the wine for about 30 minutes before serving will allow its flavors and bouquet to fully develop.
How is Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc produced?
This wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc grapes. After harvest, the grapes undergo cold maceration to extract flavors, followed by fermentation. The wine is aged for 12 months in French oak barrels and then spends an additional 6 months maturing in the bottle before release.
What makes Cabernet Franc unique compared to Cabernet Sauvignon?
While Cabernet Franc is a parent grape of Cabernet Sauvignon, it is lighter in body, less tannic, and exhibits more delicate herbal and floral aromas. It tends to have flavors of red fruits, herbs, and peppers, making it elegant yet savory.
Is Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc suitable for aging?
Yes, the structure and balanced acidity of this wine make it suitable for aging. It can be enjoyed young for its vibrant fruitiness or aged for a few years to develop more complex, earthy, and savory tertiary notes.
What is the alcohol content of Russiz Superiore Cabernet Franc?
The alcohol by volume (ABV) is 13.5%, which is typical for a medium-bodied red wine from this region.
Is this wine vegan-friendly?
Yes, Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc is vegan, as no animal products are used during the production process.
What sets Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc apart from other Cabernet Franc wines?
This wine stands out due to its production in the unique terroir of Collio, which combines sandstone, limestone, and clay soils with a microclimate of cooling breezes. These factors contribute to the wine's elegance, complexity, and balanced acidity.