Mario Schiopetto's 2011 Bianco represents a blend of Friulano and Chardonnay in equal measure. This is a sophisticated and rich white wine that opens to vibrant tones of vanilla, stone fruit and pineapple. On a white wine spectrum, this blend is bigger and more opulent than most. The warm vintage has played its role in adding to the general intensity and richness of the wine. The finish is medium in persistence, but the wine's texture is soft and luscious nonetheless.

The IGT 2009 Bianco represents a beautifully evolved blend of Friulano and Chardonnay in equal measure. This is a spectacular wine that looks forward more than it looks back. Aged aromas of saffron, white spice and dried fruit form a tonic and lively impression that will surely evolve with more age in the bottle. There’s a defined or etched quality to the mouth-feel that boasts mineral tones, balanced acidity and pretty herbal endnotes. Drink: 2014-2018. Importer: Vintus, www.vintuswines.com

Schiopetto’s 2007 Bianco Mario Schiopetto is an homage to one of Friuli’s pioneers. This blend of Chardonnay and Tocai flows from the glass with a rich, textured core of candied apricots, peaches, flowers and spices. Pretty notes of minerality help give this bottling a nice sense of balance and proportion, Although the wine offers excellent balance and plenty of style, it suffers from the same sense of heaviness that is characteristic of the estate’s 2007 whites. Anticipated maturity: 2008-2012. The 2007 vintage was challenging for whites as the warm growing season hindered the development of aromatics in many varieties, leaving quite a few wines with a feeling of heaviness, as these bottlings attest.Importer: Vintus LLC, Pleasantville, NJ tel. (914) 769-3000

This excellent blend of Chardonnay and Friulano offers a rich and reassuring feel in the mouth that would stand up to creamy artichoke risotto or white meat. Its beautiful aromas include melon, pear, apricot and a touch of butterscotch.——M.L.(11/1/2010)—— 90