Giorgio Nicolini
Muggia (TS) - FRIULI VENEZIA-GIULIA
Giorgio Nicolini is a small family vineyard, run in accordance with old traditions inherited from grandparents. Much of their effort is devoted to replanting old native varieties, which are now almost completely gone, using the original 100-year clones from their vineyard.
Two hectares of vines are situated on the hills above the town of Muggia, an old Venetian colony on the outskirts of Trieste. The vineyard is hemmed by the Gulf of Trieste and the Slovenian and Croatian borders, which are only steps away. The vines are between 20 and 30 years old and grow manly in clay soil with marine sediments.
The wines have a unique flavour, reflecting the natural characteristics of the region, including the soil, the altitude and the climate created by the intersection of Alpine and Mediterranean air. The main white grape here is Malvasia Istriana, introduced into the area by Venetian merchants, who brought cuttings from Greece. Other dominant varieties are Vitovska, Moscato Giallo (white grapes) and Refosco (red grapes).
Treatments in the vineyard are kept to minimum. No systemics are used. The same approach is followed in the tiny cellar. Wines are fermented with indigenous yeasts, there is no filtration and only a small amount of sulphur dioxide is added.
The wines are great expressions of place, history and the family who makes them.
Producer | Giorgio Nicolini
Region | Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Variety | Vitovska
Alcohol | 11.5%
Vitovska is a grape variety originally hailing from Slovenia, but has lots of presence also in the Carso region of Friuli-Venezia. The grapes from this cuvée are harvested from higher altitude vineyards, which encourages a lighter expression than other versions examples in the area. The grapes are hand harvested in small baskets, macerated on the skins for 36-48 hours and fermented with native yeast. Basket pressed and aged six/seven months in stainless steel containers. Bottled unfiltered. This wine brings a lovely mineral & saline freshness, binding with typical pear & sage qualities & some citrus fruit on the back palate.
Producer | Giorgio Nicolini
Region | Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Variety | Refosco dal Pedunculo Verde
Alcohol | 14%
A variety which locally is called Refosco or Teran. The grape is part of the Refosco variety group, and often confused with Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso. The variety is still widespread in Croatia, Carso, and Istria. The wine is hand harvested in small baskets, de-stemmed and macerated on the skins between 48-72 hours then aged 8 months in large oak barrel. Bottled unfiltered and with minimal sulphites. A red that shows the true nature of north-eastern Italian wines. Deep and bold, with some steely notes and a great acid line.
Producer | Giorgio Nicolini
Region | Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Variety | Borgogna Nera
Alcohol | 13%
Made from 100% Borgonja (also known locally as Borgogna Nera or Franconia Nera), a grape now recognised as identical to Blaufränkisch. While still found across Croatia, only a few hectares remain planted in Istria. The grapes are hand-harvested in small baskets, de-stemmed, and macerated on skins for 60 hours in open vats, before six months ageing in oak barrels. The result is a vibrant red that reflects Istria’s warm sun and maritime influence, balancing freshness with gentle structure.
Producer | Giorgio Nicolini
Region | Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Variety | Malvasia Istriana
Alcohol | 14%
This small family producer is nestled in the hilly terrain on the outskirts of Muggia, overlooking the Gulf of Trieste. These Malvasia Istriana grapes are sourced from a plot on the Slovenian side of the Italo-Slovene border. Malvasia Istriana is the flagship wine of the family and queen of the Istrian coast. This vineyard is further inland & slightly higher elevation from their other plots, giving lighter & more aromatic wines compared to the grapes from the vineyard around the family’s home. The grapes are hand harvested in small baskets, macerated on the skins for 36-48 hours and fermented with native yeast. Basket pressed and aged six months in large oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered. The gentle maceration does much to release delicate aromas of apricot blossom & stewed orchard fruits, with the palate showing fleshy peaches & an almond savouriness.
Producer | Giorgio Nicolini
Region | Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Variety | Malvasia Istriana
Alcohol | 14%
Sourced from the oldest vines on the estate, this is the most pure and vibrant expression in Nicolini’s Malvasia range. Hand-harvested in small baskets and macerated on the skins for 36–48 hours, it ferments spontaneously with native yeasts before a traditional hand-crank press and six months’ ageing in stainless steel Bottled unfiltered. Golden in the glass, with citrus and quince-paste aromatics that nod to classic German whites. The palate is poised and textural, with bright acidity, gentle phenolics and a touch of warmth. Structured yet refreshing — a wine that will reward a little time in the cellar, and shines alongside refined seafood dishes.
Producer | Giorgio Nicolini
Region | Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Variety | Piccola Nera
Alcohol | 12%
Piccola Nera or Nera Tenera is a native Istrian variety, originally from the area of Porec in Croatia. Delicious to eat as table grapes, in the past it was used in blends with Refosco, the family decided to create a single varietal wine instead. Grapes are hand harvested in small baskets, de-stemmed and macerated on the skins for 48 hours in open vats. Before release the wine ages for 6 months in stainless steel containers. A light, juicy and moreish wine. Think ripe berries, with just the right amount of acidity to balance it out.