A perfect and unique balance
With its extraordinary combination of environmental and climatic aspects Friuli-Venezia Giulia has the ideal conditions for vine growing and producing white wines of outstanding quality. Only here, in this small Italian region bordering with Austria and Slovenia, does the protective alpine mountain range ensure that winds from the north meet breezes from the nearby Adriatic Sea, thereby creating a microclimate that provides optimal temperature fluctuations for developing aromas. At the heart of this lies a varied terrain, comprising mineral-rich marls and sandstones, rocks of the Karst area or soils of alluvial origin, giving rise to the unmistakable character of these wines. A medley of opportunities that a refined winemaking culture, alongside deep respect for the territory and the personality of wine producers, has transformed into white wines, which top restaurants worldwide are proud to propose.
Gifts of nature and the legacy of a revolutionary approach
In the early 1970s, in Friuli-Venezia Giulia a revolution began in the white wine production process, which led to combining boldness with elegance, with distinct and easily recognisable aromas. In just a few years, quality parameters were exceeded, set aside and rewritten, not only in Italy. Several visionary producers soon replanted and enhanced various native grape varieties, anticipating a trend destined to become established in other regions as well.
But back in the late 19th century, the history of wine in the area had already embarked on an innovative path following decisions made at the IV Austrian Oenological Congress, held in 1891 in Gorizia, which was then part of the Habsburg Empire. The Congress changed the winemaking history of Friuli-Venezia Giulia due to two important steps. The first step was to tackle the problem of phylloxera by means of a major intervention: the grafting of European grape varieties onto American rootstock resistant to aphids. The second step was the decision to introduce, alongside local grape varieties, other varieties, especially French ones. Over the decades, such grape varieties have acquired specific characteristics that they fully express thanks to the unique qualities of this land. The perfect environmental balance for cultivating vines that are a hallmark of the territory and climate of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is complemented by expertise and farsightedness, which have enabled its white wines to captivate discerning consumers and connoisseurs everywhere.
The white wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
The white wines of the region represent the ultimate in oenological excellence. Various traditional and international native grape varieties are grown in the region. Each producer makes distinct choices concerning which grape varietal to use, rather than a blend of different grape varieties, and which winemaking methods.
Friulano
A wine that reveals every strip of land in this region. The white wine par excellence for the inhabitants of Friuli. Elegant and enveloping, its embracing almond flavour adapts to vintages, making them unique expressions of the territory.
Pinot Grigio
The most widely planted grape in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, an acquired native variety, it is fresh and profound, featuring colours ranging from white to a coppery hue, as beautiful as a sunset. This wine is at home here, almost having lost its French identity in favour of its Friulian one.
Malvasia Istriana
Full-bodied and embracing the flavours of the sea, it is savoury and penetrating on the palate. This wine captures the warmth of the sun and the freshness of the sea. It uniquely expresses its close bond with this land, standing out from the many other Malvasia wines of Italy.
Chardonnay
Legend has it that the name ‘Chardonnay’ has its origins in Shahar Adonay, ‘the Gate of God’, the inscription that impressed the Crusaders at the gates of Jerusalem. However, it is no legend that it is the most widely planted white grape in the world, and in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, depending on the area, it expresses itself in an austere or refined manner but always with excellent results.
Ribolla Gialla
The bright and fresh ‘Queen’, with an acidity that cleanses the palate, preparing it to receive flavours. Shimmering and versatile, it expresses its various styles: sparkling, fresh and agile vinified as white wine, or macerated to extract all that its skins reveal. It has an extremely long history, always linked to this land.
Sauvignon
Elegant and austere around the world, here it is enriched with freshness combined with a sip that is always agile and with a well-balanced nose, passing from floral notes to ripe fruit. Always recognisable and ready to adapt to the seasons. Fresh and fragrant on the plains, profound, persistent and long-lasting in the hills. Originally from France, it perfectly speaks the language of this region.
Vitovska
The ‘Princess’ of the Karst area, which looks out over the sea from the plateau above Trieste without fearing the strong gusts of the Bora wind. A hardy grape variety associated with the rock of the Karst area, it is fresh, delicate and profound, gentle on the palate and as unforgettable as a sunset. The true voice of this borderland.
Pinot Bianco
Finesse, gentleness and delicacy expressed in a wine that knows how to reveal itself magnificently, and one that all wine lovers cannot miss. Ethereal qualities for a wine that, in this land, retains its varietal character, merging it with an extraordinary expression of the territory.
Picolìt
The hidden, yet never cloying, sweetness of Friuli, noble and renowned throughout Europe since the 18th century. A wine of unparalleled elegance and sheer delicacy that softens the most refined, sophisticated and discerning palates.
Ramandolo
Ramandolo is a wine but also a place, where Verduzzo Giallo grapes have found a home and acquired a name. Hardy, coriaceous and resilient grapes that can withstand all seasonal weather conditions, and are always ready to offer sweetness, with a body that is perfect for any type of pairing. A wine that reveals the Friulian character.
The red wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Red wines account for 15% of production in the region, and offer wonderful and memorable expressions. They are made from native grape varieties such as Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Refosco di Faedis, Schioppettino, Pignolo, extremely rare Tazzelenghe and Terrano, as well as international varieties, which have acquired strong typicality, such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noir. Each wine conveys the precise expressions of the microclimates and soils of each individual area.
The DOC areas of Friuli-Venezia Giulia
In addition to two inter-regional DOC areas, those of Pinot Grigio delle Venezie and DOC Prosecco, the region includes DOC Friuli, or Friuli Venezia Giulia, claimable in all areas, and DOC Friuli Grave, which crosses the plains between the former provinces of Udine and Pordenone. Also included are DOC Friuli Latisana and DOC Friuli Annia, along the Friulian riviera, DOC Friuli Aquileia, with its age-old history, DOC Friuli Isonzo, DOC Carso and two DOC areas in the hills: DOC Collio, or Collio Goriziano, and DOC Friuli Colli Orientali. There are also three DOCG areas, Ramandolo, Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit, and Rosazzo, and part of the DOCG Lison area in the lower Pordenone area. The DOC Friuli Colli Orientali area also includes five sub-areas: Refosco di Faedis, Schioppettino di Prepotto, Cialla e Pignolo di Rosazzo, and Ribolla Gialla di Rosazzo.
