The wine's story

Italian wines are rich in history and fascinating features, and none more so than those on the borders of the country, where different cultures come together and share their wine styles and heritage. At Fiegl Vineyards, we find a perfect example of this richness and unique tradition. Situated in the Gorizia Hills, which run along the border between Italy and Slovenia, Fiegl is a family winery which has a history which stretches back to the mid 18th century. As such, they know what they do, and they do it very well indeed.

Today, the traditions and practices of the winery are kept alive by the latest generation of winemakers to work at Fiegl - brothers Alessio and Giuseppe, who bring together an academic knowledge of wine with a passion and reverence for grapes in their unique and beautiful produce. They consider the land they work with as ‘challenging’ - the soil is unforgiving, but packed full of mineral features which help to give their wines the characteristics for which they have become famous. The gentle slopes of the hills around the village of Oslavia provide the drainage and exposure to sunshine the grapes need to reach full maturity, while the gentle breezes coming from the glittering Adriatic sea help to cool the vines and extend the ripening period. The result - a beautiful array of red and white grapes, growing and thriving in one of Italy’s most precious regions, and wines which demonstrate just what it is that makes this part of the world so special. Italian wines are rich in history and fascinating features, and none more so than those on the borders of the country, where different cultures come together and share their wine styles and heritag... read more

Sommelier notes

Cabernet Franc is the lesser-known cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon, and produces wines that are similar in style, yet subtly different.

The fruit spectrum is certainly the same - blackberry, blue plum, blueberry and lavender, but Cabernet Franc has slightly higher acidity and tends towards a green peppercorn kind of spiciness rather than Cab Sav's charcoal and asphalt.

The Fiegl 'Villa Dugo' is really excellent - it shows off that green pepper spice beautifully, with some other thyme and oregano herbal notes coming through with air.

The black plum and blueberry fruit is nicely balanced with this, and overall the wine is medium-bodied, savoury and fresh. Cabernet Franc is the lesser-known cousin of Cabernet Sauvignon, and produces wines that are similar in style, yet subtly different.

The fruit spectrum is certainly the same - blackberry, blue plum,... read more

Food pairings

Cabernet Franc is a brilliant wine for pairing with food. Rich yet balanced, flavourful yet medium of body, it’s the ideal wine for matching with a massive range of savoury dishes. It’s especially good with poultry cooked in tomato sauces, roast pork, lamb and things like beef burgers and meatballs, but you can even pair this wine with robust fish dishes of trout and salmon. It’s a veggie-friendly wine, too - Cabernet Franc is beautiful with lentils and beans, as well as dishes of aubergine, tomato and leeks cooked in simple, hearty ways.

Click here for a recipe. Cabernet Franc is a brilliant wine for pairing with food. Rich yet balanced, flavourful yet medium of body, it’s the ideal wine for matching with a massive range of savoury dishes. It’s especially ... read more

Cellar Period

5-10 years - This wine is excellent now, and will hold up really well over the next decade.