2022 Torre Rosazza Friulano Colli Orientali del Friuli 750 ml

As we put our glass down at Gambero Rosso’s Tre Bicchieri tasting, we marveled at the gobsmacking quality of the 2022 Torre Rosazza Friulano. But once we heard Riccardo Cotarella was attached to the project, it made sense. That’s because, in Italy, few are on his level. 

Wine Spectator has called him a “star winemaker” and “Italy’s leading consulting enologist.” Decanter declared him “one of the most famous names in Italian winemaking today.” Not only has he consulted for Sting, but he’s turned grapes into wine for Pope Francis! With Cotarella’s help, this wine captured its Tre Bicchieri honors alongside $50–100 whites from neighbors Livio Felluga and Jermann. 

Torre Rosazza lies in the heart of an area that has been dedicated to grapegrowing since ancient times: The Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC is the easternmost appellation in Italy, and arguably the country’s finest for white wine. The name of the winery comes from “Turis Rusaceae,” or “Tower of Roses,” and includes the lavish 18th century Palazzo De’ Marchi, now converted into a winery, cellar, and agriturismo.

Originally planted in the 1970s, Terre Rosazza consists of two natural, terraced, well-exposed amphitheaters of limestone-clay that dates to the eocene period. This 80-hectare vineyard is not far from the likes of superstars Livio Felluga and Ronco del Gnemiz. This is a gorgeous bottle that will thrill all lovers of crisp, fruit-forward whites like Grüner Veltliner and Sauvignon Blanc. Its aromas burst from the glass with white flowers, white peach fruit and Buddha's hand citrus notes. The mouthfeel is dressed with white peach and lemon notes, with a hint of guava and bitter herb. Break out the rockfish tacos!