Prelit (Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon)

Wines

A soulful, old-school expression of Friuli’s Collio hills, Rosso Prelit (literally “poured”) shows the same patient, hands-off philosophy that made Damijan’s whites legendary—this time in a deeply characterful red. Expect layers of dark cherry, plum, dried herbs, tobacco, and earthy spice, all wrapped in fine tannins and a long, mineral-driven finish. Structured, savory, and quietly powerful, it’s a red wine that speaks in depth rather than volume.

Appellation: Collio DOC

Type: Red, dry

Blend: Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, with the blend varying each vintage.

Wine Details:

Tasting Notes:

Color: Deep ruby to garnet.

Bouquet: Aromas of dark cherry, plum, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, forest floor, and subtle baking spice.

Palate: Wonderful structured balance of fruit, acidity, and silky tannins including herbaceous earthy tones.

Unfiltered: The presence of sediments is essential to keep the wine alive and to conserve it.

Serve: Best when served at 15°C or 59° F

Food Pairing: Best with rich, slow-cooked dishes like braised short ribs, roast lamb with rosemary, or venison stew, where its firm tannins and earthy depth can mirror savory intensity. It also pairs beautifully with mushroom-based dishes, truffle risotto, and aged hard cheeses that echo its forest floor and herbal complexity.

Vinyard Notes:

Vineyard: Monte Calvario (planted in 1994), and Piedimonte (planted in 1967), Gorizia.

Altitude: 110/140 m a.s.l.

Exposure: South.

Cultivation method: Guyot unilateral.

Soil: Ponca – Opoka, Sandstone/Marl.

Yield: 40 qq per Ha.

Winemaking Notes:

Vinification: The maceration begin in big barrels of oak for 40 days.

Aging: Aged in 20 or 30 hl barrels for 3 years and kept for 1 year in the bottle before release.