Pinot Nero in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Edi Kante ★ 4.8

Edi Kante built his cellar dug 18 metres deep into the Carso limestone at Prepotto-Aurisina starting in 1980, and now anchors the Carso DOC as one of its two reference cellars (alongside Vodopivec).

Tasting: Cellar visit at Prepotto by appointment with a tour of the 18-metre-deep cellar dug into the Carso limestone, a vineyard walk through the Aurisina parcels and a flight of the Vitovska, Malvasia, Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Reservation required.

Signature wines: Kante Vitovska, Kante Malvasia Istriana, Kante Chardonnay, Kante Sauvignon

Tip: The 18-metre cellar tour is the most striking architectural moment in any Carso cellar; ask to see all three excavated levels.

Bressan Mastri Vinai ★ 4.6

Historic family cellar at Farra d'Isonzo (winemaking documented since 1726) with extended-elevage indigenous reds: Schioppettino, Pignolo, Refosco.

Why locals love it: Cellar releases are held back until the family considers them ready, so vintages reach the market several years behind the standard schedule. Distribution is selective.

Tip: The Pignolo and the Schioppettino reward 10 to 20 years of bottle age; the cellar door can pour library vintages by appointment.