Wine from Friuli (Veneto)

Friuli – the white wine mecca of Italy. No other wine region in Italy is as renowned for its white wines as Friuli. The unique climate and conditions are ideal for cultivating world-class Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Ribolla Gialla, and Malvasia. The hilly terrain and temperate climate allow for slow ripening on the vine. The grapes have ample time to develop their aromas, resulting in red wines with a truly distinctive character. The best way to experience them is to try them yourself…

Strictly speaking, the correct name for Friuli-Venezia Giulia is Friuli Venezia Giulia. This wine-growing region is located in the far northeast of Italy and borders directly on Austria and Slovenia. The total vineyard area covers approximately 20,000 hectares and produces excellent top-quality Italian wines.

Friuli and its growing regions

The largest wine-growing region by a considerable margin is Grave del Friuli. During the 1960s, the DOC system (Denominazione di Origine Controllata/Quality Wine) was introduced in Friuli (Veneto), dividing the growing zones into six areas: the Friuli-Grave plains, the eastern hills of Colli Orientali del Friuli and Collio, Friuli-Aquileia and Friuli-Latisana, and Isonzo. International grape varieties such as Müller-Thurgau and Riesling, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc are cultivated here. Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco grow here on the foothills of the Alps and on alluvial soils.

Friuli has four DOCG and twelve DOC regions. Collio Orientali del Friuli lies on the border with Slovenia. Cormons is located in the heart of the Collio, home to some of the most renowned wineries. This region produces approximately 70,000 hectoliters of wine. Isonzo takes its name from the river of the same name. This region is somewhat smaller than Collio Orientali del Friuli. The riverside location imparts a unique character to its wines.

Friuli Grave is by far the largest wine-growing region in Friuli. Nearly 80,000 hectoliters of wine are produced here annually. The wines come from over 100 municipalities. Most grape varieties are also approved for DOC status here. Fourteen grape varieties are permitted to bear the coveted DOC Grave Friuli seal. Lison Pramaggiore lies in the provinces of Venice, Treviso, and Pordenone. Approximately 20,000 hectares are dedicated to red and white wine production. Lison Pramaggiore encompasses one of the four DOCG areas – the Lison.

Friuli and its wines

Red grape varieties grown in Friuli Venezia Giulia include Merlot , Cabernet Sauvignon , Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Franc. A particularly distinctive regional grape is Tocai Friulano. This wine from Friuli Venezia Giulia is especially known for its exceptional fruitiness. The wines also possess straightforward and juicy aromas, promising outstanding enjoyment. Pinot Grigio and Pinot Bianco grapes, in particular, achieve first-class results in these areas, impressing with their good minerality and robust texture.

Furthermore, this wine region produces tarry, robust red wines such as Refosco and the nutty white wine Tocai of excellent quality. Additionally, wine from Friuli (Veneto) is supplied, made from partially heavily raisined, late-harvested grapes: Picolit, a lusciously sweet and uniquely opulent wine. Thanks to innovative cellar techniques and increased yield reduction, Friuli (Veneto) wines have recently won over many new enthusiasts.

It was especially the single-varietal wines that gained the most new fans both at home and abroad.