Friulano DOC Organic - Blanc di Simon

Blanc di Simon is the flagship Friulano from Simon di Brazzan, an organic winery in Cormons, in the heart of Friuli's Collio region. A family that works the land using organic methods and a precise philosophy: to enhance Friuli's native grape varieties with winemaking that respects the fruit and the territory. Friulano — once called Tocai — is the most emblematic white wine of this area, and Blanc di Simon is a complex and artisanal interpretation of it.

The winemaking process is a hybrid and detailed one: manual selection, delicate destemming, cooling of the crushed grapes, overnight maceration at controlled temperature, soft pressing with a vacuum press, and must clarification by flotation. Two-thirds ferment in steel at 18°C and remain on the lees until the end of February. One-third, however, macerates in a truncated cone-shaped vat for 20 days with indigenous yeasts, then is separated with a traditional press and kept in a vat on the lees until the end of February. The final blend is stabilized with bentonite. The result is a Friulano of great complexity and depth.

On the nose, almond, white flowers, aromatic herbs, and a mineral note typical of Collio. On the palate, it is structured, savory, with a characteristic bitter finish that invites another sip.

Grape variety: Friulano 100% | Vintage: 2023 | Alcohol: 13.5% | Size: 0.75 l
Serving temperature: 10–12°C
Winemaking: 2/3 fermentation in steel at 18°C, on the lees until the end of February. 1/3 maceration for 20 days in a truncated cone-shaped vat with indigenous yeasts, traditional press, on the lees until the end of February. Blending with protein stabilization.

Recommended for

For those who want to discover Friulano in its most complex and territorial version — not a fresh and immediate white, but a gastronomic wine with structure, savoriness, and that characteristic bitter finish that makes it unique among Italian white wines. This is the right bottle for those who already know Collio or want to start exploring it from a serious organic producer.

When to drink it

It is already enjoyable today, but has all the characteristics to evolve beautifully over the next 3-5 years if stored correctly. The macerated component and the time on the lees give it sufficient structure for aging.

Taste characteristics

A structured and savory Friulano, where the complexity of the hybrid winemaking is clearly felt in the glass. Almond, aromatic herbs, and Collio minerality dominate the profile. The bitter finish is the signature of the grape variety — not a flaw, but the hallmark of quality Friulan Tocai.

Why we chose this wine

Because Simon di Brazzan is one of the most serious organic wineries in Collio, and Blanc di Simon is their most representative wine. The hybrid winemaking — partly in steel, partly with maceration and traditional pressing — is a courageous choice that adds complexity without sacrificing freshness. We offer it because it tells the story of Friuli with honesty and precision.

FAQ

What dishes pair well with Blanc di Simon?
Friulan appetizers, cured meats, fish risottos, pasta with vegetables, white meats in sauce, fresh and semi-aged cheeses. Its savoriness makes it versatile for any meal.

What is Friulano? Is it the same as Tocai?
Yes. Tocai Friulano changed its name to Friulano in 2007 following a dispute with Hungary over the name Tokaj. It is the most emblematic white grape variety of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, cultivated almost exclusively in this region.

Why is part of the wine macerated with the skins?
Maceration of one-third of the crushed grapes for 20 days with indigenous yeasts extracts aromatic complexity, structure, and savoriness that steel fermentation alone would not provide. The final blend balances freshness and depth.

Is it a certified organic wine?
Yes. Simon di Brazzan is a certified organic winery in Friuli's Collio. No synthetic pesticides in the vineyard, indigenous yeasts in the cellar.