Schiopetto Rivarossa 2008 is a superb wine from this highly respected winery in the Friuli region of Northern Italy. Mario Schiopetto was acknowledged as the man who transformed the reputation of this region from producing ordinary wines to making truly world class ones. They are most famous for thier stunning whites but they make a couple of excellent reds as well. They were awarded Winery of the Year in 2009 by Wine & Spirits Magazine.

What’s it like?

Schiopetto Rivarossa 2008 is a blend of predominantly Merlot with 8% Cabernet Sauvignon and 2% Cabernet Franc, fermented blended and aged in oak for 15 months. Annual production is only 6,800 bottles so this wine usually sells out in a matter of weeks. In fact no 2007 made it to the UK as it all sold in Italy immediately on release.

It’s a classical elegant wine, purity of fruit rather than raw power, with perfect balance and great length. Ideal with food.

How much? Where from?

Schiopetto Rivarossa 2008 is very difficult to find but is available from www.goodwineonline.co.uk for around £18.