In the glass

Full-bodiedHigh tanninHigh acidityDryLong finish

Aroma: black cherry, blackberry, violet, dried herbs, iron

Palate: dark cherry, graphite, very firm tannin, long finish

Indigenous Tazzelenghe (literally tongue-cutter in Friulian, a reference to the variety's high tannin) from the Spessa di Cividale holdings. Aged 18 months in barrique.

What it pairs with

  • Brasato di manzo
    Beef braised in red wine finds its match in the wine's high tannin and graphite depth; classic Friulian winter pairing.
  • Wild boar pappardelle
    Gamey ragù meets the wine's iron and dried herbs; high tannin handles the boar fat.
  • Aged Bagòss cheese
    Crystalline mountain cheese mirrors the wine's iron mineral; high tannin scrubs the cheese fat.

History

Tazzelenghe is the indigenous Friulian red grape with naturally high tannin (the name means tongue-cutter in Friulian). Zorzettig is one of the few producers backing this near-extinct variety.

  1. 2005 — First Zorzettig Tazzelenghe vintage

Facts

Producer
Zorzettig
Grapes
Tazzelenghe (100%)
Classification
DOC Friuli Colli Orientali
Oak
Aged around 18 months in French oak barriques; 6 months in bottle before release
ABV
13.5%
Price
EUR 28 to 42 at retail
Drinking window
3-12 from vintage
First vintage
2005
Vegan
Yes (no animal-derived fining)

Frequently asked about Zorzettig Tazzelenghe

What does Zorzettig Tazzelenghe taste like?

Black cherry, blackberry, violet, dried herbs and iron on the nose; dark cherry, graphite, very firm tannin and a long finish on the palate. Full-bodied with high tannin and high acidity.

What is Tazzelenghe?

Tazzelenghe is the indigenous Friulian red grape with naturally high tannin (the name means tongue-cutter in Friulian, referring to the puckering sensation of the young wines). The variety was nearly extinct in the late 20th century; a handful of Colli Orientali producers back its revival.

When should I drink Zorzettig Tazzelenghe?

Drink between 3 and 12 years from vintage. The wine softens with age; the tongue-cutter tannin moderates from year 5 onwards.

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