It might sound strange, but until the end of the 1970’s, a grape as common around the world as Chardonnay was, in Friuli, confused with Pinot Bianco. Although the varietal has great potential, it had not yet found a place in producers’ hearts. It is possible to find wines that prove that the great Chardonnays of Friuli can compete with great Chardonnays from other areas of the world: Jurosa is one of them. This is Chardonnay from the calcareous gravel-rich soil of the Jurosa-Gris vineyard on the right bank of the Isonzo River, fermented and matured on fine lees in French oak. The wine remains in barrel for nearly a year to mature, followed by an additional 12 months in the cellar after bottling. Pair with roast chicken or rabbit braised with thyme.
The 2018 vintage has yet to be reviewed, but the 2017 received the following:
“The Lis Neris 2017 Friuli Isonzo Chardonnay Jurosa is another beautiful white from this leading Friuli estate. This wine strikes terrific balance between aromatic fragrance and textural elegance. Lost in between those two points are multiple layers of stone fruit, melon, honey, cream pastry and lightly toasted almond. The finish is beautifully silky and fine, and you can’t go wrong with a grilled wild salmon. Drink 2021-2025.”
92 points, Monica Larner, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, Feb 2021
“The 2017 Chardonnay Jurosa puts savoury spice and minerality first, slowly evolving to show a pretty expression of dried apricot and ginger with hints of roasted hazelnut. It’s silky in texture, balanced by bright acids and yellow citrus, which brings further energy to its notes of ripe apple and pear. There’s a richness that lingers here with hints of almond and brioche, creating a fully satisfying expression from start to finish.”
92 points, Eric Guido, vinous.com, Jan 2021
