2015 Bastianich Vespa Rosso Venezia Giulia IGT 750 ml

Culinary icon Joseph Bastianich doesn’t do anything halfway, from his Michelin-starred restaurants to his judgements on the show MasterChef. So it’s no surprise that his Venezia Giulia estate—a multi-Tre Bicchieri winner that Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate called “A rock star winery with international pedigree”—has crafted a 2015 Rosso of such power, nuance, and creativity.

The Vespa Rosso is rooted in Merlot, but with a healthy dose of the region’s native Refosco, contributing a full body and powerful structure. Grown in the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, which Forbes called “the crown jewel of the region,” its complex aromas feature blackberry and rose, hints of licorice and herbs, adorning the rich mouthfeel and elegant tannins. 

Vinous fell in love with the Rosso’s “light on its feet quality for such a big powerful wine,” and awarded the 2015 the Vespa Rosso’s best-ever score. James Suckling piled on the praise saying, “This is always a very serious red for the money, and 2015 could be one of the most exciting editions.” 

While the northeastern Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is renowned for its full-bodied, racy white wines, in his book Vino Italiano (co-authored by David Lynch), Bastianich noted that many regional winemakers call Refosco, “Friuli’s grape of the future.” Try this generous 2015 Vespa Rosso and you’ll be convinced that the future is now, and that the region’s reds deserve the same praise as its whites, if not more.

Joseph Bastianich has spent years earning accolades for his restaurant empire—including Michelin-starred Babbo and Del Posto—books, and TV appearances. But his Friuli-Venezia Giulia winery deserves a spot among his top achievements. Founded with his mother, Lidia (an accomplished chef, restaurateur, and best-selling author herself), the estate has parlayed knowledge gained over decades dominating the restaurant biz into wines of singular typicity and elegance that Wine Advocate called “always impeccably made.”

In the southernmost section of Friuli’s Colli Orientali, 20- to 40-year-old vines harness the warmth of the Friulian Plains and the Adriatic Sea’s cooling effects to unlock this wine’s keen balance of power and finesse. After an 18-month slumber in 30% new French Oak, you’ve got a complex, impressively nimble red. 

We met Joe Bastianich at Signorvino in Verona. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the nearby Piazza Brá, we chatted about wine and food as the sunset’s last gasps faded. He spoke with passion about his winery’s 2015 Vespa Rosso, its silky texture and complex aromas, as if he’d tried it for the first time that day.

And when we finally got a taste, it kindled our passion in the same way. A singular, rare red from a region we love—our expectations were high, but this shot right past them. We knew immediately: we needed to share it with Wine Access members, so we pulled Joe aside.

Today, we’re thrilled to offer an opportunity to explore Venezia Giulia reds with one of the region’s standout examples. Just be prepared to spend your ensuing days on an inspired Friulian deep dive.