Friulano 2023

Overview

The Friulano 2023 from MAS Bergomas is a truly authentic white wine, embodying the soul of Friuli. Produced in extremely limited quantities, it expresses the freshness and minerality of the Isonzo’s clay soils, with subtle floral nuances and the characteristic hint of bitter almond that has made this grape a symbol of the region.

History

Friulano has always been one of the most representative wines of Friuli, a symbol of conviviality and cultural identity. Massimo Bergomas, faithful to his straightforward and natural approach, dedicates a small 0.5-hectare parcel to this grape variety, cultivated organically since the winery’s foundation. The 2023 vintage has yielded a perfectly balanced wine, combining tradition with expressive purity.

Vineyard approach

The vines grow on clay soils, which lend structure and freshness to the wine. Vineyard work is entirely manual, with low yields and a strong focus on soil vitality and plant health. No synthetic chemicals are used; every intervention is designed to preserve natural balance and promote biodiversity.

Winemaking philosophy

In the cellar, Friulano 2023 undergoes a simple, respectful vinification: spontaneous fermentation in stainless steel, followed by six months of aging in steel and additional months in bottle. No fining, no filtration, no added sulfites: the result is a wine that reflects its variety with honesty and transparency, free from compromise.

Food pairings

Friulano 2023 is an extremely versatile food wine. It pairs beautifully with traditional Friulian cured meats, fresh and semi-aged cheeses, but also with fish dishes, delicate white meats, and seasonal vegetables. Its slightly almond-like finish makes it an ideal match for appetizers and regional classics such as frico.

Technical sheet

• Denomination: Isonzo DOC

• Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

• Grape variety: 100% Friulano

• Vineyard area: 0.5 ha

• Soil: clay

• Average vine age: –

• Viticulture: organic, natural

• Harvest: manual

• Vinification: in stainless steel

• Aging: 6 months in steel and a few months in bottle

• Fining: no

• Filtration: no

• SO₂ added: no

• Production: 2,600 bottles

• Serving temperature: 10–12 °C

• Aging potential: 3–4 years

MAS Bergomas

MAS is a deliberately provocative name: in Friulian it means “crazy”. Yet Massimo Bergomas, an ironic, intelligent, and passionate winemaker, is anything but crazy. He personally manages the winery and works daily in both the vineyard and the cellar, assisted by his young son Alessio.

Since 2001, the founding year of the winery, MAS Bergomas has been certified organic, a mark of respect for the land and local environment that still defines all production.

The Vineyards

MAS Bergomas’ vineyards cover 5 hectares owned and 7 hectares rented, located in the DOC Isonzo, a small jewel of responsible viticulture. The winery is in Corona, a hamlet of Mariano del Friuli at the foot of the Collio hills, surrounded by endless stretches of vineyards.

The cultivated grape varieties include Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Malvasia, and Cabernet Franc. The vineyards use the Guyot training system, with a maximum yield of 70 quintals per hectare, ensuring limited bottles but with strong character.

The approach to the medium clay-loam soil emphasizes spontaneous grassing and the use of green manure. In the vineyard, no synthetic chemicals are used, and in the cellar, the focus is on native yeasts, a drastic reduction of sulfur dioxide, and minimal intervention to highlight the terroir’s natural expression.

Iconic Wines and Projects

Massimo Bergomas draws inspiration to create new projects almost every year. In 2020/2021, he launched the copper blend “Robis di Mas”, a wine full of character and irony, whose name in Friulian literally means “crazy stuff.” A wine to taste to believe.

The Chardonnay and Sauvignon blend is called Shiro, named after Massimo’s dog. Curiously, in Japanese, “Shiro” means “white”—a simple yet meaningful name that reflects the playful and authentic spirit of the winery.