Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, the hills and outwash plains and between Trieste and the nearby Dolomitic Alps, has been the crossroads of empire for millennia, from the Roman-era and later Byzantine cities and trade routes, through the centuries of Venice’s maritime dominance, to its position as the gateway to the Austro-Hungarian empire in the 18th and 19th centuries.

In the western part of the region lies the Grave district, named for the gravelly chalk/dolomite soils that have washed down from the Dolomites since the last ice age. Warm Adriatic days combined with cooling evening air flowing down from the Dolomites make this the perfect territory for crisp, aromatic wines from Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and of course Friulano, and lighter reds from , Cabernet, Merlot, and the native Refosco dal Pedunculo Rosso. Pinot Grigio is by far the most important grape of the region.

Founded in 1960 in the village of Bertiolo, the Cantina di Bartiolo is a small cooperative composed of some of the oldest families in Grave. The village sits in the center of the Grave district, atop the gravel plateau, and the Cantina’s vineyards surround the village.

Grapes here are trained vertically and the canopy is left intact to shade the fruit from the hottest part of the day, allowing a long growing season while preserving fruit acids.

The Wines

Il Cavaliere di Bartiolo Pinot Grigio (available in 750 and 1.5lt)

Bright greenish gold in the glass, Crisp and clean with notes of citrus and granny smith apple. Classic Friuli Pinot Grigio!