“It washes across the palate with a mineral-inflected blend of ripe orchard fruits and citrus tones.” – Vinous

You probably know Super Tuscans – the genre defying reds of Tuscany that WAY overdeliver. But did you know that there are whites from Italy’s North that, similarly, don’t fit the mold?

Super Friulian whites, like their Tuscan siblings, are more than worth their FULL PRICE. Today – LESS THAN $30! It’s a 92 Pointer that will make you rethink crisp whites.

Don’t just take our word for it. Food & Wine named the last vintage among “The 9 Best Italian White Wines for Anyone Who Loves Fresh, Crisp Flavor”.

La Roncaia was founded by the Fantinel family in 1998. Previously having success under their eponymous label, they secured some of the most sought-after vineyards in Friuli Colli Orientali, in Northeastern Italy. The hillside zones of Ramandolo, Nimis, Attimis, and Tarcento are tempered by the Julian Alps from too much warmth, while the sandstone soils allow for perfect development of fruit flavors without sacrificing aromatics or minerality.

No wonder they’ve been gathering so much critical attention! Mic back to Food & Wine, “The winery’s top white is this blend of Sauvignon and the local Picolit variety, which offers flamboyant aromas of melon, peach, and tangerine; those lead into a full-bodied wine bolstered by juicy acidity.”

The same year Drinks Business named another one of their whites among The Global Wine Masters, listing it among their TOP 100! No surprise, as they previously listed winemaker Gabriele Tami in their MASTER WINEMAKER 100!

According to Tami, the Eclisse as an expression of La Roncaia’s philosophy: the constant pursuit of balance between authenticity and style, combined with a distinctly Friulian elegance.

Pop a bottle, and you’ll see. Its aromas spill out from the glass, filling the air with guava, fresh lemon, fresh flowers, fresh pepper, and a whiff of petrichor. It’s at once rich and crisp – packed with satiny fruit flavor but finishing with crunchy mineral goodness.

Seriously, heading into the holidays, this is the type of white that checks all the boxes. It’s a great aperitif on its own, works with a wide variety of cheeses, poultry, seafood, or a garden salad. For gatherings, if your friends like big full flavor or clean mineral-driven white, it delivers both in spades.

Stock up! It won’t last long.

92 Points – James Suckling “Papayas, orange blossoms, vanilla and licorice on the nose of this rich and fragrant white. It’s full-bodied, floral and tropical, with spicy undertones and a creamy texture. Drink now.”

91 Points – Wine Advocate “The La Roncaia 2024 Friuli Colli Orientali Eclisse is a blend of 90% Sauvignon Blanc and 10% Picolit and shows a fragrant profile with notes of sweet apple and pear, supported by pretty floral nuances of rose and honeysuckle. These aromatic tones lead to a medium-textured palate. The wine finishes with a gently drying mineral note. It is partially fermented in stainless steel and partially in French barrique before maturing in stainless steel, a process that balances aromatic lift with subtle textural depth. Drink 2026-2029.”

91 Points – Vinous “The 2024 Bianco Eclisse opens with a savory blend of wild herbs, flint stone, ginger and musky green apples. It washes across the palate with a mineral-inflected blend of ripe orchard fruits and citrus tones. The finish is of medium length, leaving an air of custard contrasted by a minty freshness. Very nice. Drink 2025-2028.”

91 Points – Falstaff “Pale straw yellow in colour. Fragrant nose, reminiscent of elderflower and vineyard peach, with a hint of white pepper behind it. Juicy and powerful on the palate, delicate tannins, animating acidity, good length.”