2006 Ermacora Tocai Friulano (Last of Vintage Was $15.99)

2 Glasses Gambero Rosso. Tocai Friulano is Friuli's own indigenous variety, the Friulian national drink and its greatest source of pride. All meals or public encounters seem to start with a "Tajut" (tai -oot, Friulan for cut) of Tocai. The locals drink this with well they just drink it all the time, on the way to work, morning break, on the way home to lunch, well you get the picture it goes on all day. This classic wine is shy and slow to make friends at first, like Friuli's people. The wine's strength lies within its core, layers of mineral laden aromatics, a steely backbone that yields gradually to reveal the soft open heart, warm and concentrated that gives way to a wine rich, balanced, with delicate acidity and scintillating aromas of bitter almonds, apple and ripe pear highlighted by hints of tarragon. The wine has no oak but exceptional balance and a very long finish. Tocai Friulano is the perfect accompaniment to delicate fish for Crab and Red Snapper. In Friuli it is matched with San Daniele prosciutto, fresh Montasio cheese and it has structure enough to go with pork or chicken. According to Wine Enthusiast: "This Friulano delivers gorgeous purity of aromas that translate into passion fruit, peach, melon, kiwi and white flowers. The wine is bright and crisp but also creamy and smooth at the same time. This is textbook Friulano." (11/08)