Le Monde Winery Unveils Two Distinct Refosco Wines Honoring Friuli’s Centuries-Old Grape

In the heart of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, the Le Monde winery is drawing attention to Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, a grape variety deeply rooted in the region’s winemaking tradition. On November 19, 2025, Le Monde introduced two distinct wines—Refosco DOC Friuli and Inaco – Refosco DOC Friuli—each offering a different perspective on this historic grape.

Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso has been cultivated in Friuli since at least the 14th century. Its resilience and adaptability have made it a staple across the region’s varied landscapes, from low-lying plains to higher hills. The local soil, rich in clay, microelements, and limestone, challenges the vines and encourages them to produce grapes with concentrated flavors and complexity. Le Monde’s vineyards average 12 years in age, with some plots reaching 25 years, contributing to the depth and maturity found in their wines.

The first wine, Refosco DOC Friuli, is described as direct and approachable. It displays a deep ruby color with violet highlights. Aromas of ripe red fruit and spices are prominent. On the palate, it is full-bodied with silky tannins and a lively mineral edge. This wine is crafted to pair well with hearty dishes such as carbonara or pasta with ragù, where its structure can balance rich flavors.

The second interpretation, Inaco – Refosco DOC Friuli, is part of Le Monde’s Le Icone collection. It pays tribute to Alex Maccan’s father, the founder of the winery. Inaco is aged for 24 months in barrique barrels, which gives it a deeper color and more complex aromas. Notes of currant, blackberry, moss, pepper, cinnamon, and tobacco are present on the nose. The palate is bold and structured with mature tannins and vibrant acidity. This wine is intended for pairing with robust dishes like game meats or slow-cooked beef stews.

Le Monde also highlights a traditional Friulian dish called Brovada e Muset as an ideal match for their Refosco wines. Brovada consists of fermented turnips in grape pomace served alongside muset, a type of local cotechino sausage. The acidity of the brovada contrasts with the richness of the muset, often accompanied by polenta. According to Le Monde, their Refosco’s structure and acidity complement this dish by balancing its flavors and enhancing its traditional character.

By presenting these two wines side by side, Le Monde aims to showcase both the versatility of Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and the unique qualities that Friuli’s terroir imparts to its wines. The winery continues to focus on expressing regional identity through careful vineyard management and winemaking choices that respect local traditions while offering distinct interpretations for different palates and occasions.