Franconia 2018 Friuli Isonzo Gradis Ciutta

Franconia 2018, elegant Friulano red from Gradis'Ciutta

Franconia 2018 Friuli Isonzo Gradis Ciutta is a wine with personality, born from Robert Princic's interest in a rare grape variety deeply connected to Friulian tradition. Gradis'Ciutta interprets the Franconia with a modern and measured style, focusing on freshness, aromaticity, and drinkability. The result is an original wine, medium-bodied, capable of uniting the character of the territory with a harmonious and very pleasant taste profile.

Territory and wine style

This wine comes from Friuli Isonzo, an area suited for producing wines with a clear and refined profile. The grapes come from old vineyards in the Isontino village of Farra d'Isonzo and are vinified without wood, a choice that enhances the varietal identity of the Franconia and keeps its aromatic expression intact. It results in a territorial, straightforward, and contemporary red, where the fruity component interacts with a pleasant salty tension. The signature of Gradis'Ciutta emerges in the precision of the sip and in the ability to create a balanced wine, designed to be versatile but anything but trivial.

Tasting notes

In the glass, it presents a light ruby, bright and inviting. The bouquet is rich and multifaceted, with notes of dark flowers, cherry, sour cherry, and plum, accompanied by a spicy touch of cinnamon and a finish of aromatic herbs. On the palate, the entry is fresh, followed by a round and soft progression. The tannins are low and well integrated, while the structure remains of medium intensity, supported by a beautiful harmony between ripe fruit and salty sensation. The finish is clean, balanced, and pleasantly persistent.

Recommended pairings

Franconia 2018 Friuli Isonzo Gradis Ciutta lends itself to many pairings thanks to its versatile profile and delicate tannic texture. It is ideal with typical cold cuts, raw ham, bresaola, smoked meat, and traditional Friulian appetizers. It also pairs well with light dishes such as roasted white meats, baked chicken, vitello tonnato, sautéed mushrooms, and flavorful but not overly structured first courses. Its freshness makes it suitable for an informal table, where it serves an elegant and smooth red.

Serving temperature

The ideal temperature to serve Franconia 2018 Friuli Isonzo Gradis Ciutta is between 16 and 18 °C. Within this range, the wine best expresses its balance between fruit, freshness, and softness. It generally does not require long aeration, but a brief opening before serving can help bring out the floral and spicy aromas with more definition.

Why buy it

Choosing Franconia 2018 Friuli Isonzo Gradis Ciutta means bringing into your cellar a rare, identity-rich, and very gastronomic red. It is a wine that tells the story of Friuli Isonzo with an accessible yet refined style, capable of standing out for its aromatic finesse, measured tannin, and pleasant drinkability. Perfect for those looking for an Italian wine different from the usual, original, and easy to pair, it is a convincing choice for both everyday dinners and more curated occasions.