ロッソ デッラ カステッラーダ 2015｜フリウリの自然派赤ワインの注目キュヴェ

This article introduces a red wine from the Collio DOC appellation in the northeastern corner of the Italian peninsula, close to the Slovenian border. The estate was founded in 1985 by two brothers, Giorgio and Nicolo Bensa, who inherited vineyard land originally purchased by their father Giuseppe. Giuseppe had returned from Switzerland to the village of Oslavia and opened a restaurant, which sparked his desire to produce his own wines. The brothers decided to bottle under their own label, naming the project after the hill on which their vineyards sit.

The estate practices organic farming methods with maximum respect for the natural environment and local ecosystem. Their philosophy centers on minimal intervention, allowing the grapes and the terroir to express themselves as authentically as possible. This approach extends from the vineyard through to the cellar, where winemaking decisions are guided by patience and a willingness to let time do the work.

The red cuvee discussed here is a blend of Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, with the exact proportions varying slightly from vintage to vintage depending on yields. Grapes are left on the vine until full maturity before being harvested and combined. Fermentation and maceration take place together in open-top wooden vats over a period of approximately thirty-five days. This extended skin contact draws out deep color pigments, tannins, and aromatic compounds from the grape skins.

After pressing, the wine is transferred to small oak barrels where it undergoes aging on its fine lees for forty-two months. This prolonged contact with the lees contributes to textural richness and complexity. Following barrel aging, the wine spends an additional fourteen months in stainless steel tanks, allowing further integration and stabilization without the influence of new oak. It is then bottled without filtration and allowed to rest in the bottle for six to eight months before release. The total time from harvest to market is therefore well over five years, which is remarkably lengthy for a wine at this price level.

The Collio DOC is known for its distinctive soils composed of alternating layers of limestone and marl, locally referred to as flysch. These well-drained soils force vine roots deep underground in search of water and nutrients, resulting in lower yields and more concentrated fruit. The area benefits from a unique microclimate shaped by its position between the Adriatic Sea to the south and the Julian Alps to the north. Warm days and cool nights help preserve acidity while allowing full phenolic ripeness.

Merlot thrives in many different climates around the world due to its adaptability and resistance to common vine diseases. In the Collio region, it takes on a distinctive mineral character and supple texture that differentiates it from expressions found in Bordeaux or the New World. Cabernet Sauvignon adds structural backbone, firm tannins, and aging potential to the blend, complementing the softer profile of its blending partner.

According to the importer’s tasting notes, the wine offers rich energy from the fruit alongside notable complexity, while maintaining a calm, supple character. The long barrel maturation is said to draw out a sense of nobility, generous fruit expression, and layered complexity that makes the wine particularly memorable. The overall balance of fruit weight, length of finish, elegance, and lightness is highlighted as a key attribute.

As a natural wine, individual bottles may show slight variations in color, sediment, or aromatic profile. These characteristics are considered part of the wine’s identity rather than flaws. Decanting or allowing the wine to breathe in the glass is recommended to let its full range of aromas and flavors develop.

In terms of food pairing, the wine’s combination of supple tannins, generous body, and complexity suggests compatibility with braised beef, slow-cooked meat ragu over fresh pasta, roasted pork loin, and game meats such as venison or wild boar. Semi-hard aged cheeses from the northeastern regions of the peninsula could also make a rewarding match. The wine’s depth and structure mean it can stand up to dishes with bold, savory flavors without being overwhelmed.

The wine is available through a specialist Italian wine retailer on a major Japanese e-commerce platform. The listed price is approximately one hundred US dollars, and shipping is complimentary when six or more bottles are ordered together. During warmer months, refrigerated shipping is recommended to protect the wine from heat damage during transit. The importer responsible for bringing the wine to the Japanese market is well regarded for its focus on artisanal, naturally produced wines from across the Italian peninsula.

In summary, this is a carefully crafted red blend from a small family estate with deep roots in its local community and a philosophy of minimal intervention. The extraordinary length of the aging process, spanning over five years from harvest to release, sets it apart from most wines at a comparable price point. For those who appreciate wines that prioritize authenticity, patience, and terroir expression, this cuvee represents a compelling option worth exploring.