Di Lenardo 1998 Refosco

Of all the Refoscos that I have tried, I like this one the best.  The fact that it is,  I believe, the only one that I have ever tried does not detract from the fact that I like it! Refosco is a grape that is grown in a small area in North East Italy, along the frontier with Slovenia. Refosco is also grown in France where it is known as Mondeuse.  But let me set all the wine literature and cartography aside.

This wine reminds me of several other wines, but that is not to say that it is anonymous.  I get the earthiness and strawberry like quality that I find in some Pinot Noirs.  There is a vegetal note and roundness of fruit that I find in some cru Beaujolais.  I also get a smoky, bacony, meatiness that I have found in some Dolcettos.  The wine has plenty of good astringency and bitterness that make it particularly well suited as a foil to rich foods.  Pasta with mushrooms (or, if only I had them, black truffles).

Here's a chance to try something different.  One of the most amazing things about wine is the incredible range of varietals that exist.  Cabernet, Syrah, Nebbiolo and, why not, Refosco.  I don't know how this particular Refosco stands up to others available, but let's put it this way, I will be seeking it out at every possible opportunity.