I'm not dead yet! Emilio Bulfon bringing grapes back from extinction
In the town of Pordenone, Italy, between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, you’ll find the winery Emilio Bulfon, one of the leaders in reviving grapes that were almost extinct. 11 of the almost 16 hectares of land that is owned by the winery are dedicated to 9 Friulan grape varieties that almost went the way of the Dodo Bird. Combining new advances in technology, like working with Ampelographers from the Experimental Institute for Viticulture in Conegliano, with classic techniques, like low-intervention winemaking and making labels that are inspired by Medieval Fresco art, Emilio Bulfon winery is making wines that harken back to Friulian wines of the 1950s and 60s but also have a feel of modernity that puts them in this century as well. This is your invitation to take a step back in time, while also seeing the future of Italian wine.
Believed to come from the country of Slavia, located at the edge of the Julian Alps. Due to specific regional regulations, Sciaglin can only be grown in the area of Pinzano al Tagliamento and Castelnovo del Friuli. Very aromatic on the nose, on the palate there are notes of salted white peach and quince. The light minerality helps keep the overall flavor profile delicate.
Packed with ripe summer melon flavors. Clean, dry, crisp and super easy to drink, you ought to grab two bottles because it goes that fast.
His Cianorie is medium bodied and fruit forward wine with red cherries and raspberries. He does some whole cluster fermentation to add a little texture and complexity to this easy drinking wine.
Cianorie dates back to the 17th century, while it was never a highly cultivated wine, it was and still is popular in the areas around Gemona and Pinzano al Tagliamento. The leaves of the vines are so big, that in the 17th and 18th century, you could find houses in Friuli making shades for the entrances. Rich black cherry fruit pairs with vibrant raspberries and strawberries. The fruit does get a little candied and there is a flavor in this that reminds me of purple Kool-Aid.