Tazzelenghe is an indigenous red grape variety from Friuli-Venezia Giulia in north-eastern Italy, renowned for its distinctive character and vibrant personality. The name translates as “tongue-cutter”, a nod to the grape’s naturally high acidity and firm tannic structure. Its aromatic profile presents notes of sour cherry, plum, and wild berries, often accompanied by subtle hints of violets, liquorice, and earthy spices. On the palate, Tazzelenghe delivers a robust, full-bodied experience, highlighting an invigorating freshness balanced by dense, chewy tannins that mellow beautifully with maturation. The wines typically display a deep ruby core, sometimes with garnet hues as they age.
Tazzelenghe is predominantly cultivated in the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, where the region’s marl and sandstone soils, along with a temperate climate, contribute to the grape’s complexity and depth. Winemakers produce both varietal wines and blends, often vinified with extended maceration and sometimes aged in oak to tame its assertive structure.
These wines pair excellently with rich, flavourful dishes such as game meats, roasted lamb, mature cheeses, and hearty stews, where the grape’s acidity and tannins can cut through fat and enhance the overall gastronomic experience.