As consumers continue to seek approachable wines that balance character with versatility, Italian winery Tenuta Stella is introducing its Friulano DOC Collio 2024, a white wine designed to showcase the essence of Friuli’s renowned Collio region while embracing a fresh, contemporary style.
Produced in northeastern Italy, the new vintage reflects both the challenges and opportunities presented by the 2024 growing season. Marked by fluctuating temperatures and an unpredictable climate, the year required careful vineyard management to ensure the grapes reached optimal ripeness. According to the winery, cool mornings and bright daytime conditions helped preserve acidity while encouraging aromatic complexity in the fruit.
The result is a Friulano that emphasizes freshness, balance, and drinkability without sacrificing a sense of place.
“Friulano is the wine that best expresses our way of working,” said winemaker Erika Barbieri. “It is direct and clearly defined, yet never ordinary. With the 2024 vintage, we sought to enhance its drinkability and precision, allowing the grape variety and the territory to speak.”
In the cellar, Tenuta Stella followed a minimalist approach intended to highlight the natural qualities of the grape. Fermentation took place in stainless steel tanks using indigenous yeasts, with careful temperature control and extended aging on the lees to add texture and complexity. The process also allows the characteristics of Collio’s distinctive “ponca” soil—a mix of marl and sandstone—to shine through with subtle mineral notes.
The wine opens with delicate aromas of white flowers, violet, and jasmine, followed by citrus notes reminiscent of mandarin. Hints of candied fruit and pastry add depth, while the finish reveals the almond note that has become a hallmark of the Friulano grape.
On the palate, the wine is lively and balanced, offering freshness and gentle savoriness that carry through to a lingering finish.
Tenuta Stella sees the wine as a natural companion to warm-weather dining. It pairs particularly well with seafood dishes such as raw fish, fried Adriatic seafood, baby squid, and steamed fish. It also complements regional specialties like San Daniele prosciutto and a variety of fresh cheeses.
The winery believes the Friulano DOC Collio 2024 reflects changing consumer preferences toward wines that are expressive but uncomplicated, capable of delivering both immediate enjoyment and lasting impressions.
With its combination of bright fruit, minerality, and food-friendly versatility, Tenuta Stella’s latest release is positioned as an ideal choice for outdoor gatherings, leisurely lunches, and relaxed evenings shared with family and friends.