More than suitable for grilled chicken or a spicy Indian curry, the Cantarutti 2019 Friuli Colli Orientali Friulano is absolutely tonic and fresh with apple, quince and sweet honey. This is a nicely presented and fleshed-out white with a lean but generous mouthfeel. There is some extra texture and creaminess on the close; however, winemaking is limited to steel vats to keep things crisp and easy. Production stands at approximately 15,000 bottles.

Cantarutti delivers a thickly saturated and concentrated Friulano with almost passito-like aromatic intensity. You’ll recognize tones of apricot, honey and candied fruit and the wine tastes dense but soft in the mouth. It’s a dry wine with a touch of sweetness, however, that would pair with white meat, cod or mackerel.——M.L.(8/1/2009)—— 88