Comelli
by
Terry Sullivan
Summary: Less than ten kilometers from the Slovenia border lies a small village Colloredo di Soffumbergo. The hilltop village stretches for 400 meters and includes Agriturismo L’uva e le Stelle, Comelli Winery and the Church of Saints John and Paul.
Although it is an easy walk from one end of the village to the other, the surrounding hilly land includes 14 hectares of vineyards and olive groves. The Comelli Winery is built under a street. Adjacent to the winery is the three-story L-shaped Agriturismo L’uva e le Stelle, a wonderful lodging facility. You can walk on the street over the winery to the Church of Saints John and Paul. The church dates from the 15th century,
We met Pierluigi and Daniela Comelli the owners of the winery and the bed and breakfast. Both were gracious hosts who took an interest in their guests. The winery was founded by Pierluigi's father Paolino in 1946. Pierluigi was involved with modernizing and enlarging the estate in the 1980s.
Vineyards
The 14 hectares of vineyards are protected by the PreAlps to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south thus providing a dry climate for the vineyard. The rocky soil is rich in lime, potassium and other minerals providing ideal conditions for a vineyard. About 5,000 vines are planted per hectare. All grapes are hand-harvested.
White varieties planted include Friulano, Picolit, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc. Red grape varieties include Merlot and Pignolo. At the time of our March visit, the vines were still dormant.
The property also has 600 olive trees planted and Comelli produces olive oil.
Winery
Dark honey colored wood doors (pictured above) slide sideways to open to the winery. The wood contrasts with the grays from stones used for the walls. Rows of stainless steel tanks lead the eye to a focal point at the end, a stone wall with an old basket press in front. A niche in the stone wall has a ceramic image of St. Urbano from France, a protector of vineyards and wine. The old press and demijohns remind one that although the winery uses technology, it still has roots to the past.
Wines
Four wines were tasted while we stayed at the Agriturismo L’uva e le Stelle. The 2011 Amplius Pinot Grigio was straw colored. There was citrus and minerals on the aroma and taste. The finish was bright and crisp. This is a nice palate cleansing wine. The 2011 Friulano was a straw color that offered floral and mineral on the aroma. The taste was also floral with grapefruit and minerals. The crisp finish integrated the fruit and minerals. The 2011 Sauvignon was a light yellow. Made from Sauvignon Blanc grapes the aroma reminded me of tropical fruits. The taste was predominated by citrus; however, there were tropical fruits in the background. The crisp, fruity finish yielded to minerals on the aftertaste.
Soffumbergo 2010 was a blend of Refosco, Pignolo, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine was a dark ruby to purple color. There were dark fruits on the aroma and blackberries on the taste. There was also the presence of tobacco on the taste with a trace of licorice. Tannins were on the chewy, fruity finish.
While visiting the Friuli region of Italy, take time and spend the night next to a vineyard. Comelli offers both the winery and wine tasting experience and the lodging experience. Consider spending several days here. Our lodging unit was a small apartment with bedroom and living room area with a full kitchen and dining area.
Agriturismo L’uva e le Stelle lodging article
Comelli Paolino
Società Semplice Agricola
Case Colloredo, 8
33040 Faedis (Ud) - Italy
Article written March 2013
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