It is impossible to overstate the character and uniqueness that the Friuli region in northeastern Italy provides when it comes to wines. To be precise, its full name is Friuli-Venezia Giulia, and it has earned its reputation thanks to the characterful white wines produced there.
Pighin Winery has been operating in Friuli since the 1960s, and for the past twenty years it has been led by Fernando Pighin together with his family. Wines are grown and produced here from varieties typical of the region as well as international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. The practice moves between an attempt to preserve terroir and varietal characteristics in the spirit of the Old World on the one hand, and technological emphases with a tendency toward intervention and influence on the character of the product in certain wines, in the spirit of the New World, on the other.
In the current tasting, there are four white wines, all coming from the Friuli DOC area. They are not pretentious, priced in a relatively popular direction, maintain a coefficient of character, and provide good value for money. You won’t find here the funkiness encountered in some Friuli wines, but the regional soil is clearly evident, and its presence distinctly differentiates these wines from wines based on similar varieties in other regions. These are decidedly successful food wines. Cheers!
Pighin, Pinot Bianco, Friuli, Grave DOC 2023
Pinot Bianco grapes from Grave, Friuli, Italy. Fermentation and aging for several months on the lees in stainless steel tanks. Straw-golden color, slightly greenish. On the nose, flowers and white fruit. Light to medium body. 13% alcohol by volume.
How much? NIS 65.
The critic’s view: Relatively light, concentrated fruit and florality, significant acidity. Not overly heavy on the palate. Young, and as such should be drunk now, but will also hold up well for up to two years from today and will undoubtedly develop over that time. Versatile in terms of food pairing and will work well alongside fish dishes, seafood, chicken, pork, pizzas, and pastas.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).
Pighin, Pinot Grigio, Friuli, Grave DOC 2023
How much? NIS 65.
The critic’s view: Prominent fruit presence, good dryness, dominant acidity, surprising precision. Not overly heavy, enjoyable, and endowed with a surprising coefficient of character considering its price.
Value for money: 4/5 (Very good).
Pighin, Sauvignon Blanc, Friuli, Grave DOC 2023
How much? NIS 65.
The critic’s view: Good dryness, fruit that is not overly heavy, the herbaceousness from the nose continues onto the palate, a significant acidic profile, and a pronounced aromatic finish. Will work excellently with fish, seafood, chicken dishes, pork, and charcuterie. This means it is a versatile wine of its kind.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).
Pighin, Friulano, Friuli, Grave DOC 2023
How much? NIS 65.
The critic’s view: The fullest of the tasting wines, holding a clear coefficient of fruitiness and an intense acidic profile from the outset. Balanced, not overly heavy, and can successfully accompany not only fish and seafood, but even corned beef.
Value for money: 3.5/5 (Good).