Le Monde’s Award-Winning Pinot Bianco Puts Friulian Heritage on the Global Stage

Le Monde is a Friulian winery dedicated to transforming the best of its terroir into wines of precision and purpose. Testament to this is its Pinot Bianco, which has earned the coveted Tre Bicchieri award from Gambero Rosso for ten consecutive vintages and is now enjoyed by wine lovers worldwide. At the heart of this success is Alex Maccan, whose vision for Le Monde has been shaped by years of dedication, investment, and an unwavering commitment to Friulian winemaking traditions. Today, the winery spans 120 hectares and cultivates 14 different grape varieties.

March 24, 2025 (Prata di Pordenone, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia) — Situated in western Friuli, between the Livenza and Meduna rivers, Le Monde’s history dates back to the 1700s. Over the centuries, it has passed through the hands of some of Italy’s most influential families, including the House of Giustinian and the Brandolini dynasty. Today, the bustling estate is the life’s work of Alex Maccan, a Friulian entrepreneur who had long admired the property before acquiring it in 2008. Since then, he has led a transformation that has reinforced Le Monde’s identity while restoring its deep-rooted ties to Friuli’s cultural and agricultural heritage. Guided by a profound respect for the land and nature’s rhythms, Le Monde is committed to producing wines that bring out the best of this unique terroir, characterized by soils rich in active limestone.

FOCUS ON SINGLE VARIETALS
Le Monde’s production is built around single varietal wines, highlighting both indigenous Friulian grapes such as Refosco, Ribolla Gialla, and Friulano, and international varieties like Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Merlot, and Pinot Bianco. The latter has emerged as the estate’s flagship wine, earning its tenth consecutive Tre Bicchieri award in 2025. Le Monde’s labels are now available in over 40 international markets, sharing the Friulian winemaking tradition of bygone times with a global audience. This success is driven by a strong, dedicated team, including Giovanni Ruzzene (Winemaker), Massimo Furlan (Sales Director), and Marta Paladin Furlan (Head of Communication & Marketing), who find common ground when it comes to wine.

PHILOSOPHY AND WINES
In the vineyard, Le Monde embraces a slow, seasonal approach to farming, using organic fertilizers. In the cellar, precision and patience guide the winemaking process: each parcel is vinified separately, and only the best lots are selected for blending and bottling. The winery is also deeply committed to environmental sustainability, with initiatives aimed at optimizing energy savings, safety, and the efficient management of the entire production chain. Since 2015, Le Monde has held SQNPI certification.
 
Eighty percent of Le Monde’s production is dedicated to white wines, with its renowned Pinot Bianco DOC standing out for its vibrancy and balance. The winemaking process involves a 24-36 hour cold pre-fermentation maceration, followed by gentle pressing, temperature-controlled fermentation, and aging on the lees for several months. The Le Icone collection further elevates this varietal with Pinot Bianco DOC Alma, aged in oak barrels. Among the sparklings, the Pinot Nero Rosé Brut shines with lively fruit and floral aromas, while Le Monde’s red wines, including Refosco DOC Inaco and Cabernet Franc DOC, capture the bold, expressive character of the Friulian terroir.

HOSPITALITY AND FUTURE PROJECTS
Le Monde welcomes guests Monday through Saturday for guided tours and tastings by appointment. Visitors can choose from several tasting experiences, including versions paired with local cheeses and cured meats. Each experience concludes in the tasting room, designed by architect Alessandro Isola—a thoughtfully curated space integrating wood, stone, Corten steel, and cork features, while expansive glass windows frame the surrounding vineyards. The lighting enhances the interplay of materials, mirroring the winery’s philosophy of quality and craftsmanship.
 
Le Monde’s commitment to Friulian winemaking and local culture continues with new investments and projects. Currently under construction is a 4,000 m² facility featuring a farm shop and wine bar, set to open in 2026. This initiative aims to showcase the excellent produce of artisanal Italian farmers and create a welcoming space for both locals and visitors.

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