Friulano Isonzo DOC La Vila 2024 - Lis Neris

La Vila 2024 is Lis Neris's single-varietal Friulano from Romans in the Friuli Isonzo DOC. Hand-harvested fruit from vines over 30 years old, gravelly limestone soils and 11 months on fine lees in steel and wood give this white wine depth and definition.

A distinctive interpretation of Friulano

La Vila is built around the character of Friulano, one of Friuli Venezia Giulia's emblematic white grapes. Lis Neris presents this variety as particularly responsive to vintage conditions, making the relationship between grape, place and growing season central to the wine. Produced within the Friuli Isonzo DOC, it is a still white made entirely from Friulano rather than a blend.

The Romans vineyard

The grapes come from Romans, in the province of Gorizia, on the Isonzo plain. The vineyard occupies a gravelly limestone plateau at approximately 25 metres above sea level. Its vines average more than 30 years of age and are Guyot trained, with around 5,200 plants per hectare. The estate quotes an average yield of approximately 45–50 hectolitres per hectare. These figures describe the vineyard and its established production practices rather than measurements specific to the 2024 harvest.

Vineyard work follows the producer's sustainability principles, including low-impact treatments. This does not, by itself, establish organic certification for the finished wine.

Hand harvesting and eleven months on lees

Grapes are picked by hand and carefully selected. Fermentation takes place in stainless-steel tanks, followed by eleven months of combined maturation in stainless steel and wood on fine lees, with frequent bâtonnage. Regular stirring of the fine lees is an important part of the wine's texture-building approach. The wine is then bottled and given further bottle maturation.

Rather than treating oak as an end in itself, the vinification seeks to retain a clear varietal identity while developing breadth and complexity. La Vila belongs to Lis Neris's premium single-varietal range.

Taste and character

Descriptions of this label point to a deep straw-yellow appearance and a bouquet suggesting yellow peach, meadow flowers and a delicate almond note. On the palate the style is full and rounded, but supported by freshness, balance and a lingering finish. The extended lees contact helps explain why this Friulano offers more texture than an uncomplicated, early-drinking white.

Food pairing, serving and keeping

The estate specifically recommends regional cheese and vegetable dishes, San Daniele prosciutto and freshwater fish. These pairings make the most of the wine's body while preserving the delicacy of the grape. It is equally appealing beside savoury first courses and gently creamy dishes, provided their richness remains balanced.

The producer recommends serving at 11 °C. A generously sized white-wine glass allows its aroma and layered texture to emerge. The estate indicates an ageing potential of up to 20 years for the label as a general guide, not a guarantee for any particular bottle.

At a glance

• Style: still white, Friuli Isonzo DOC
• Grape: 100% Friulano
• Origin: Romans, Gorizia, Friuli Venezia Giulia
• Soil: gravelly limestone plateau, around 25 m elevation
• Vines: over 30 years old; Guyot training
• Fermentation: stainless steel
• Maturation: 11 months in steel and wood on fine lees, frequent bâtonnage, then bottle ageing
• Serving temperature: 11 °C
• Bottle: 750 ml