Beautiful and rustic Refosco is decidedly old-world and the grape Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso (“from the red vine”, because of its red colored stems) is indeed indigenous to Italy. The legend is that Livia, wife of Caesar Augustus, loved Refosco and that her consumption of it contributed to her long life. Antonutti’s Refosco begins with a soft pressing of grapes and then fermentation in steel tanks. The first maturation is in stainless steel and then in used tonneaux for 6/8 months with subsequent bottle aging. The wine has notes of wild blackberries and mulberries, with anise, wild oregano and cocoa. A lovely tannic structure makes it perfect for rich foods. We suggest pairing with pheasant, salame, roasted vegetables, roasted pork, gnocchi with butter and herbs, and hard aged cheese.