Tazzelenghe
The Tongue-Cutter
Tazzelenghe is grown in Colli Orientali and Friuli.
2regions it is known for
1other name
- Tastes of
- black cherry, plum, gripping tannins and leather
- Goes with
- rich stews, aged meats and strong cheeses
- Also called
- Tazzalenghe
Where it grows
Colli Orientali and Friuli
The story
The name means 'tongue-cutter' in Friulian dialect—referencing the grape's aggressive tannins. Like Pignolo, it nearly died out. Unlike Pignolo, it remains rare even after revival. Only a handful of producers bother with this difficult grape.
Insider story
Tazzelenghe is the insider's Friuli grape.
The tannins are extreme—years of aging required.
Only masochists and collectors seek it.
Technical deep dive
Full-bodied, extremely tannic.
Needs 10+ years minimum.
Dark fruit, leather, bitter chocolate.
Industry secrets
Tazzelenghe is Friuli's rarest red wine.
Production is tiny—maybe 10,000 bottles total.
For collectors
Investment grade C+
- Auction records
- Rarely appears—too rare
- Blue-chip producers
-
- Moschioni
- Ronco del Gnemiz
- Petrussa
- Value picks
- Any Tazzelenghe you can find ($35-55)
- Price trend
- Stable but supply extremely limited.
- Collector’s tip
- Collector curiosity. Age 10+ years if you find it.