2016 Refosco, Specogna

Dark, savoury and full of northern Italian character, this Refosco brings together ripe cherry, red berry fruit and bramble with a deeper thread of spice, earth and wild herbs. Time has softened its youthful grip, letting the fruit settle into a more rounded, autumnal place while still keeping the grape’s naturally lively acidity and firm structure.

The palate feels honest and quietly intense, with dark fruit, cherry stone, spice and a rustic mineral edge giving it real personality. It is not a polished, sweet-fruited red, but something more distinctive: fresh, food-loving and gently untamed, with the kind of savoury finish that makes it shine beside rich cooking.

For when: the table needs a red with bite, character and a little woodland mystery.
Pairs with: game, roast pork, lamb, beef stew, mushroom ragù, aged cheeses or grilled sausages.

Specogna is a family estate in Corno di Rosazzo, on the hills of Rocca Bernarda in the heart of Friuli Colli Orientali. Founded by Leonardo Specogna in 1963, the winery is now led by the third generation, Cristian and Michele, who work vineyards shaped by marl, sandstone and a deep family connection to this corner of Friuli. Their Refosco captures that sense of place with colour, spice, structure and quiet regional pride.