Friuli
In the far northeast corner that borders Austria and Slovenia, Friuli’s Alps stand in stark contrast to the Adriatic's coastal plains, shaping a terroir with an exceptional diversity of grapes amidst a unique climate.The Friuli Venezia Giulia region van be a discovery trip for wine enthusiasts, nurturing a diverse array of over 30 grape varieties.
The best wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia
In the far northeast corner that borders Austria and Slovenia, Friuli’s Alps stand in stark contrast to the Adriatic's coastal plains, shaping a terroir with an exceptional diversity of grapes amidst a unique climate.
The Friuli Venezia Giulia region van be a discovery trip for wine enthusiasts, nurturing a diverse array of over 30 grape varieties. Among these are esteemed international classics like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot, celebrated alongside indigenous grape varieties such as Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Schioppettino, Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Verduzzo.
Producers from Friuli-Venezia Giulia are among the most renowned producers of Italian wines, such as Borgo Conventi, Borgo del Tiglio, Girolamo Dorigo, Filiputti.
Other regions
Grapes in wines from Friuli
Friuli is known as one of Italy's best wine regions. The Tocai Friulano, nowadays called Sauvignonasse or Sauvignon Vert, is the main grape variety in Friuli's white wines. Besides Friulano, white wines made from Pinot Grigio are also of very high quality.
Red wines are made from Merlot, Refosco and the distinctive Schioppettino, also known as Ribolla Nera. Prosecco provides the range of sparkling wines. With varieties such as Cabernet Franc, Chardonnay, Picolit and Verduzzo, Friuli-Venezia Giulia boasts a diverse and sophisticated wine culture.
The terroir of wines from Friuli
In Friuli-Venezia Giulia, wine styles pivot on contrasting climates. The alpine north yields fresh, fruity wines, characteristic of cooler regions. Positioned between the Alps and the Adriatic, vineyards benefit from elevated terrains that bask in sunlight while cooler temperatures ensure gradual grape ripening. Closer to the coast, maritime influences temper temperature shifts, offering stability for winemakers to select diverse terroirs.
The classifications of Friuli wines
Friuli-Venezia Giulia, renowned for its white wines, dominates with over two-thirds of its wine production.
Three prestigious DOCGs elevate the region:
- Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit
- Ramandolo
- Rosazzo
Noteworthy DOCs solely within the region encompasses:
- Carso
- Colli
- Friuli Annia
- Friuli Aquileia
- Friuli Colli Oriental
- Friuli Grave
- Friuli Isonzo
- Friuli Latisana.
Noteworthy is the appellation Fruili Grace DOC. Friuli Grave, a notable appellation, owes its name to gravel and boulder alluvial soil akin to Bordeaux Graves. Encompassing diverse microclimates from Livenza's plains to the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC's east, this zone crafts outstanding wines.