Ponte Del Diavolo Refosco 2008

So legend has it that the people of Cividale made an agreement with the devil that if he built them a bridge, the first soul who walked over it would be his. This went horribly wrong for the devil when the  locals sent a dog over it but this apparently explains why this bridge is known locally as Ponte Del Diavolo(The Devil's Bridge).  This pretty spectacular medieval bridge is close to where this wine is made in the DOC of Friuli in the northeastern most region of Italy, hence where this wine gets it's name.
 The grape used in this wine is indigenous to Italy and apparently a favourite of Augustus's wife Livia. This grape has made a revival since the 1980s and we are starting to see more and more of it sometimes blended with the likes of Caberent Sauvignon and Merlot. This particular wine is 100% Refosco and a great example of this robust grape which produces dark wines full of damson plums and firm tannins.

 Friuli is very influenced by the fact that it borders on Slovenia and Austria and is evident in it's food with local dishes having a very germanic influence with goulash, dumplings and apple strudel common as well as traditional Italian Prosciutto and seafood.
 Brought this up to the girls on Friday night for our monthly catch-up and considering most of them are white wine drinkers it went down remarkably well. Shell had put on a bit of a spread for us all; crackers cheese, cold meats etc. which matched nicely with this red.
 A dullish purple in appearance. A beautiful perfumed nose of violets, dark fruits and a savoury meatiness. There is a sherry-like flavour to this which isn't unpleasant. Plums and raspberries. Medium-bodied with good length.
Good value at €13.99 and definitely worth a try if for nothing else but something different.

Till Next time
Clare

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