Friulano DOC BIO - Blanc di Simon

Blanc di Simon is the flagship Friulano wine from Simon di Brazzan, an organic winery in Cormons, in the heart of the Friulian Collio region. A family that works the land organically with a clear philosophy: to enhance the native grape varieties of Friuli through 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 hybrid and detailed: manual selection, gentle destemming, cooling of the crushed grapes, overnight rest 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 conical vat for 20 days with indigenous yeasts, then is separated with a traditional press and kept in the 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.

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

Grape Variety: Friulano 100% | Vintage: 2023 | Alcohol: 13.5% | Format: 0.75 l
Serving Temperature: 10–12°C
Winemaking: 2/3 fermented in steel at 18°C, on lees until end of February. 1/3 macerated for 20 days in truncated conical vat with indigenous yeasts, traditional press, on lees until end of February. Blended 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 slightly bitter finish that makes it unique among Italian white wines. It 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 is already enjoyable today, but it has all the characteristics to evolve magnificently 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 defect, but the distinctive mark of quality Friulian Tocai.

Why We Chose This Wine

Because Simon di Brazzan is one of the most serious organic producers in Collio, and Blanc di Simon is their most representative wine. The hybrid winemaking — part in steel, part 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 does Blanc di Simon pair with?
Friulian appetizers, cured meats, fish risottos, pasta with vegetables, white meats in sauce, fresh and semi-aged cheeses. Its savoriness makes it versatile for the whole table.

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?
The maceration of one-third of the crushed grapes for 20 days with indigenous yeasts extracts aromatic complexity, structure, and savoriness that fermentation in steel 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 the Friulian Collio. No synthetic pesticides in the vineyard, indigenous yeasts in the cellar.