Refosco

Refosco is an ancient group of closely related dark-skinned grape varieties that originate from northern Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia, western Slovenia and the Istrian Peninsula of Croatia. The Refoschi varieties have many different sub-varieties and synonyms. Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso is widely regarded as the star of the group, with its greatest expressions coming from Friuli's Colli Orientali DOC. The wines here have impressive fruit intensity, laced with minerality and tart acidity. Other varieties of Refosco include Terrano, Refosco dal Peduncolo Verde, Refosco Nostrano, Cagnina, Teran, Refosco d'Istria, Refosk, and Sangue del Carso. In general, Refosco wines have high acidity and are dark and densely colored with violet and grassy aromas. They are known for their flavors of dark peppery spices and plums and have an almond-skin finish. Refosco is a late ripener and if harvested too early, can produce harsh, unripe tannins.