Fondo Indizeno is a new project from renowned winemaker Christian Patat, one of Friuli’s most faithful advocates and a man who has done so much to promote this area. Fondo Indizeno's vineyards are spread over three villages in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, which were chosen due to their excellent quality terroir; Buttrio, Prepotto and Premariacco. They works with 15 hectares of very old vines, between 30-40 years, planted on marl based soils (locally known as “Ponca”). The vines benefit from a Mediterranean climate, with continental influences, hot summers, cold winters and dry autumns. The vineyards are planted with Ribolla Gialla, Chardonnay, Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco and Malvasia.The idea of this project is an introduction to Friuli’s best wines, to showcase the quality achievable and the area's potential. Each wine is dedicated to a producer whose wines have brought prestige to a particular grape variety, for example Ribolla Gialla is named after Stanko Radikon, who spent his life promoting this variety. While Chardonnay is dedicated to Nicola Manferrari who is one of the best interpreters of this grape. As with all Christians wines, they are impeccably executed, expressive styles, which are exemplary of Friulian wine and really showcase this areas potential.
The Chardonnay grapes come from their vineyards in Buttrio and Prepotto, the vines have an average age of more than 30 years and rigorously cultivated using the guyot method, with yields maintained at around 40 hl per hectare. Vinified entirely in stainless steel tanks and aged on its own yeasts until March, the wine is bottled with a light filtration.
Classic tones delicately exotic, but typically salty thanks to the fresh, well-integrated acidity that suggests immediate drinkability, but promises a pleasant evolution over the next five years. Think Chablis but better than anything from that region at this price.
Works beautifully with a classic Veal Piccata, vegetable or seafood tempura and fresh salads.