Refosco

Refosco is a red wine grape variety native to northeastern Italy, with deep historical roots in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and neighboring Veneto. Its exact origins are hazy—ancient grapes tend to be like that—but records place its cultivation at least as far back as the Middle Ages, firmly embedding it in the Adriatic winemaking tradition.

The grape is most strongly associated with Friuli-Venezia Giulia, particularly quality-focused areas such as Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli, where it expresses both power and regional character. Smaller plantings exist beyond these core zones, but Refosco remains fundamentally tied to its northeastern Italian homeland.

The name “Refosco” has uncertain etymology. One common theory links it to a term suggesting strength or robustness, which suits the grape’s naturally vigorous growth and assertive wine style.

In the vineyard, Refosco is a late-ripening variety that prefers warm conditions to fully mature. It produces small to medium berries with thick skins, leading to deeply colored wines with firm tannic structure. The grape is relatively resilient and capable of developing concentration without losing acidity.

Refosco wines are typically deep ruby to purple in color. Aromatically, they show dark fruits such as blackberry and black cherry, often layered with herbal, spicy, and sometimes earthy notes. On the palate, the wines are bold, with pronounced acidity and firm tannins, giving them clear aging potential and a structured finish.

At the table, Refosco pairs naturally with robust cuisine—grilled meats, game, aged cheeses, and tomato-based dishes all benefit from the wine’s acidity and intensity. Overall, Refosco is a distinctive, age-worthy red grape that reflects the rugged elegance and tradition of northeastern Italy’s terroir.