Wine of the Day: Three Friulian Whites from I Clivi 6-15-16

I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso ‘San Pietro’ Friulano Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2014 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso Ribolla Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia 2014 750ML ($24.95) Buy Now: $21.90 special

I Clivi di Ferdinando Zanusso RBL Brut Spumante, Friuli-Venezia Giulia NV 750ML ($27.95) Buy Now: $24 specialiclivi

Fruili Colli Orientali, old vines, organic viticulture, small producer, no malo or oak: Italian white wine in its pure nature, like Boticelli’s Birth of Venus. Ferdinando Zanusso has been making his I Clivi wines for some 25 years now, with devotion to the land, the Friulano and Ribolla grapes, and the traditions of Friuli. The results resonate with character, elegance, and precision. My one-word description of these wines: lithe.

The Friulano San Pietro 2014 shows only the slightest yellow hue. Its body is just as light, but its aromatic weight – lemon, almonds, white flowers – dominates the palate and nose with each sip. Equally as fresh and stunning, the Ribolla Gialla shows a citrus character, with zingy acidity. In case bubbles are in order, the Ribolla Brut Nature offers the same airy, citric brilliance, in a wine as dry as the limestone that raised it. All three wines long to accompany antipasti, seafood, or creamy cheeses. Forza Friuli! – Daniel