Matino

Friuli is famous for its spectacular whites. In fact, anytime anyone tells me they don’t really care for white wine, my response is usually “Yes, you do,” while handing them a Tocai or Ribolla or Chardonnay or Malvasia or a blend from Isonzo or Collio or the Colli Orientali. There is a pause, and then: “Oh, this is good.”

Another convert.

Forget these magnificent whites for the moment, though. At this upcoming tasting it’s Friuli’s reds that will take center stage:

* Sunday, February 21
* 10 am – 7 pm
* Hotel Monaco e Gran Canal
* Entrance: €10

There you’ll find over fifty producers offering a wide variety of rich reds. Those created from familiar varieties like Merlot and Cabernet (Franc and Sauvignon) stand alongside others with less recognizable names, but highly recommended for conducting research: Schioppettino, Marzemino, Refosco, Terrano, maybe even a Tazzelenghe or Pignolo.

Another reason to attend: a selection of specialty foods will be offered by the restaurant Il Ridotto dell’Acciugheta.

Even if you’re not in Venice at the moment, do make sure to check on wine events during your stay…they’re always fun, inexpensive, and offer an excellent opportunity to taste many wines you’ll never find back home.