Volpe Pasini

One day, according to old documents, the Volpe and Pasini families - Friulian farmers on the one hand, Venetian merchants on the other - joined forces and founded the Volpe Pasini winery shortly before the end of the 16th century. Today, the winery is one of the most important traditional wineries in Friuli Venezia Giulia.

It is led by the former radiologist Emilio Rotolo with tireless dedication, a high level of competence and a large portion of entrepreneurial spirit. The native Calabrian is supported in his work by his equally enthusiastic son Alessandro. The entry of the wine enthusiasts quickly meant a huge leap upwards in quality for the house, which is located in the northern central part of the Colli Orientali del Friuli near Cividale and has optimal sites. The high rank was able to be expanded in an exemplary manner, not least thanks to the first-class advice of the renowned oenologist and agronomist Lorenzo Landi and a top-class staff that has been built up over time.

Emilio Rotolo is known in the wine world for his exceptional organisational skills and his success in achieving ambitious goals. Thus, the winemaker has quickly expanded Volpe Pasini by acquiring new vineyards. The wines produced in the meticulously kept cellar and half of which are sold abroad from the Togliano and Prepotto hills - around 60 percent are white, 40 percent red - vie for the top position every year. Among the white wines radiating personality and elegance, the Sauvignon and the Pinot Bianco of the Zuc di Volpe line always play the leading role in the wide range. The red wines of the Friulian winery convince wine connoisseurs with their good structure and are an impeccable reflection of their region of origin. "The wine must be a product of the terroir, an expression of culture, tradition and history," Emilio says of his wines, which are generally characterised by a moderate alcohol content.

In the winery, which is surrounded by an old city wall, the fresco of a sundial can be seen above the terrace on the first floor. "Its sun is the trademark of Volpe Pasini", the trade magazine Vinum once wrote. With Villa Rosa, the feudal estate also includes a magnificent mansion from the late 16th century that has been lovingly renovated. The landowner christened the villa in honour of his wife Rosa Tommaselli, who looks after the foreign business together with him. The way there leads through an enchanting park with gnarled oaks and evergreen magnolias in bloom. SUPERIORE.DE