Walter Filiputti

Appears in
La Terra Fortunata
La Terra Fortunata

By Fred Plotkin

Published 2001

  • About
  • Piazza deir Abbazia 15,
  • Località Rosazzo, 33044 Manzano (UD)
  • tel: 0432/759429
  • If Noel Coward were to look for a couple in Friuli-Venezia Giulia who could fit into one of his plays or social events, he would surely select beautiful Patrizia Filiputti and her handsome husband Walter. Living in a converted abbey and surrounded by a collection of ancient glass and centuries-old books, Missoni-swathed Patrizia and Walter are marvelous, witty hosts. Trieste-born Patrizia is one of the best cooks I know in the whole region and prepares food that makes Walter’s wines even more delicious than they already are. They lease the land from the Curia of Udine to produce singular wines from old vines.
  • The Pignolo is one of the finest reds you will taste. One red blend, called Broili di Filip, combines Merlot with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Refosco. The fabulous Ronco dei Domenicani is 80 percent Cabernet Sauvignon, the rest being Franconia, Tazzelenghe, and Refosco. The Riserva dei Benedettini is almost a pure Merlot, and it is wonderful. The Poesis Bianco is a blend of Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Tocai, and a small amount of Picolit—it is immensely appealing and rich. Another white blend, called COF Bianco Ronco del Monastero, combines Malvasia, Ribolla Gialla, and Tocai. It is softer than the Poesis, but just as good. A third white blend is the Ronco degli Agostiniani, largely Chardonnay, with a fair amount of Pinot Bianco and a small percentage of Tocai. It is very special. There are also single-grape whites: Pinot Grigio, Ribolla Gialla, and Sauvignon Blanc. The Ribolla will make you think of peaches and apples—it is a love.