Vignai da Duline Friulano 'La Duline' 2015

In 1997 Lorenzo Mocchiutti and his wife Federica Magrini took over the 'La Duline' vineyard, four hectares of old vines planted by Lorenzo's grandfather back in the 20's. A few years later, they added six hectares of a second vineyard, 'Ronco Pitotti'. Although at the time somewhat neglected and in need of restoration, across the two sites was an extraordinary range of old to very old vines - a mixture of varieties, mostly traditional to this corner of north-east Italy. Thanks to these amazing old vines and a painstaking approach to quality in vineyard and cellar, Lorenzo and Fedrica have created a range of wines that must be among the most fascinating, gastronomic and ageworthy in Italy.

The approach in the vineyard is remarkable, summed up by the motto, 'No trimming the shoots'. Farming is certified organic (and has been organic in practice since 1979) with some biodynamic principles added for good measure. The vineyards are wonderfully green and biodiverse, with interference kept to a minimum. In the winery, fermentation is with wild yeasts and all the wines are matured in seasoned oak casks, with a small percentage of new wood. Sulphites are added only at bottling.

This Friulano, a blend of Tocai Giallo and Tocai Verde, is from the original vines in La Duline, some of which are now over 100 years old. It is generous, broad and rich, with a lovely dry finish and great concentration.