Here’s the 15th installment of The Wine Chef’s December "Advent Calendar" wine series.

Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc 2022

I’ve written on The Wine Chef about the fine white wines of the Collio DOC, a small wine-producing DOC in northeastern Italy whose vineyards are mostly planted with white grape varieties. This holiday season, however, I’ve been enjoying a Collio red: Marco Felluga Russiz Superiore Collio Cabernet Franc 2022 (SRP $35).

Red grapes account for only 15% of Collio’s vineyards and are less celebrated than the region’s whites, yet they are equally deserving of a wine lover’s appreciation.

I’ve also written about this historic winery on GrapeCollective.com following an interview with fifth-generation winemaker Roberto Felluga, who sadly passed away in 2021. Today, his daughter, Ilaria Felluga, carries on his legacy, producing high-quality wines.

Tasting Notes
This wine’s deep ruby-red hue invites you into a fragrant nose of cherry pie, mustard seed, and cigar box. On the palate, pronounced flavors of red berries—black cherry, blackberry, and blackcurrant—shine through, complemented by grippy tannins and lively, tangy acidity. Additional flavors of tomato, leather, black peppercorn, herbs, and a touch of green bell pepper. A perfect pairing for anything with tomatoes, from tomato crostini to rich sauces.