Val di Miez 2019 - Roncùs

Roncùs Val di Miez: Merlot, Cabernet Franc and the character of Collio

The 2019 Val di Miez Venezia Giulia IGT from Azienda Agricola Roncùs is an elegant and deep red wine born from the combination of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and from Roncùs' distinctive interpretation of these Bordeaux-origin varieties in the hills of Capriva del Friuli.

It is made from 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Franc, sourced from vineyards over 40 years old. Merlot brings ripe fruit, softness and roundness, while Cabernet Franc adds freshness, herbal nuances and a more savoury, spicy character.

The result is a balanced red wine combining fruit, structure and complexity. Rather than relying on sheer power, it develops its personality through time and careful ageing.

The winemaker's notes

"What we particularly appreciate in Val di Miez is the balance between the softness of Merlot and the fresher, more herbal character of Cabernet Franc. With ageing, the wine gains depth and complexity while maintaining excellent drinkability. It is a red wine that tells the story of our territory through Bordeaux-origin grape varieties."

— Yuri Stefani

Why we chose it

We chose Roncùs Val di Miez because it shows a different side of the Collio.

We often associate this territory primarily with great white wines, but here the soils and microclimate demonstrate their ability to produce reds with remarkable personality as well.

Merlot brings fruit and softness, while Cabernet Franc adds freshness, herbal notes and spice. Oak ageing supports the wine without overshadowing its character, allowing its complexity to emerge gradually.

It is an intriguing bottle both for lovers of Bordeaux-inspired reds and for anyone wanting to discover a less predictable side of Friuli's wine culture.

The territory

Val di Miez comes from vineyards in the municipalities of Capriva del Friuli and Farra d'Isonzo, in the Collio area of Friuli Venezia Giulia.

The vines are over 40 years old and grow both on hillside marl soils and on shallow, stony soils in the plains.

The marl-rich soils contribute minerality and savoury character, while the Collio climate allows the grapes to ripen slowly and fully.

Here, Merlot and Cabernet Franc can develop ripe fruit, freshness and complexity while maintaining balance.

The winery

Azienda Agricola Roncùs was established in Capriva del Friuli in 1985 and has built its identity around small vineyard plots and the preservation of old vines.

The vineyards are grass-covered and managed according to organic farming principles, with hand harvesting and minimal intervention. The aim is to preserve the identity of the grapes and allow the territory and vintage to shape the wine.

In the cellar, fermentation takes place spontaneously with indigenous yeasts. For Val di Miez, the grapes remain in contact with their skins for approximately 20 days, followed by extended ageing in oak to develop depth and complexity.

Technical sheet

Appellation: Venezia Giulia IGT

Vintage: 2019

Grape varieties: 80% Merlot, 20% Cabernet Franc

Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy

Area: Capriva del Friuli and Farra d'Isonzo, Collio

Vine age: Over 40 years

Soil: Marl-rich hillside soils and shallow, stony soils in the plains

Viticulture: Grass-covered vineyards managed according to organic farming principles

Harvest: Hand harvested, at the beginning of October

Winemaking: Destemming and approximately 20 days of skin maceration. Spontaneous fermentation with indigenous yeasts at approximately 24°C. Complete malolactic fermentation.

Ageing: 18 months in 5-hectolitre French oak barrels.

Alcohol: Approximately 13% ABV

Bottling: Non-sterile filtration and bottling during the summer.

In the glass

Colour

Deep, bright ruby red, developing garnet highlights with age.

Aroma

Intense and layered, with ripe red and dark fruit, blackberry and blackcurrant, accompanied by herbal and spicy notes. With further ageing, nuances of tobacco, leather, cocoa and fine oak emerge.

Palate

Dry, soft and structured. Merlot provides roundness and ripe fruit, while Cabernet Franc contributes freshness and a more dynamic structure. The tannins are present but well integrated, supported by good acidity and a long, persistent finish.

This is a red wine with excellent ageing potential, gradually developing more pronounced spicy and tertiary aromas over time.

Food pairings

Perfect with:

• Tagliatelle with ragù

• Rich risottos

• Grilled red meats

• Braised meats and roasts

• Game

• Grilled and barbecued meats

• Aged cheeses

• Traditional Friulian cuisine