Friulan wine has been able to find a wide audience of consumers in Italy and in the world, remaining faithful to its tradition and to its native vineyards. Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region with great viticultural results thanks to the peculiar physical and geographical features, with the alternation of lands overlooking the Venetian lagoon, soft hills and imposing reliefs, and the constant commitment of small and large producers who have been able to combine an ancient tradition to the most modern technologies. Among the main appellations of the region we remember Collio DOC, Friuli Colli Orientali, Friuli Grave DOC and Friuli Isonzo DOC, each with its distinct peculiarities.

Friulian Red Wine

There are examples of excellent Friulian red wine, although the region is much more famous for white wine. Probably the most famous appellation for the reds is Friuli Grave DOC, which includes wines produced in a large territory of Friuli, in the province of Udine and Pordenone, mainly characterized by soils of alluvial origin, draining and rich in pebbles and stones, which proved to be very suitable for the cultivation of the vine, in particular for the red grape varieties. Producers such as Vistorta, Fantinel , Pighin come from this area.

There is no shortage of reds even in the DOC Collio, from cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, merlot, pinot noir grapes. Among the native red grape varieties, the most famous is undoubtedly Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso.

Friulian white wine

The Friulian white wine is known all over the world and one of the most interesting appellations is undoubtedly the Collio Doc, which includes the hilly territories in the province of Gorizia. Collio Doc white wines, among the most famous and appreciated in Italy and in the world, are produced with: chardonnay, malvasia istriana, pinot blanc, picolit, pinot gris, sauvignon, Friulano, and Ribolla Gialla. From this region come the wines of great wineries such as Jermann, Gravner, Schiopetto, Villa Russiz, Livon, Cormons.

Even the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC appellation identifies one of the most suitable Italian areas for the production of quality white wines. Friuli Colli Orientali DOC includes the territory of the municipalities of Attimis, Buttrio, the eastern part of Cividale, Corno di Rosazzo, Faedis, Manzano, Nimis, Povoletto, Premariacco, Prepotto, S. Giovanni al Natisone, S. Pietro al Natisone, Tarcento and Torreano in the province of Udine. It also includes the sub-areas of Cialla, Ribolla Gialla di Rosazzo, Pignolo di Rosazzo, Schioppettino di Prepotto and Refosco di Faedis. This is the land of Livio Felluga, Bastianich, Le Vigne di Zamò and Zorzettig.

Friuli Isonzo, on the other hand, is located in the eastern area of the region, south of Collio, in the alluvial plain along the Isonzo river, from which it takes its name. In addition to the exceptional climate, which alternates warm sea breezes and fresh winds from the mountains, the soils rich in chalk and clay on the left bank and the white gravel on the right bank contribute to creating optimal conditions for the production of quality wines. In particular, the wines obtained from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay have brought the Isonzo to the fore, thanks also to the work of wineries such as Vie di Romans.

What are the best combinations for Friulian wine?

Friulian wine, in its various types, is perfect for any combination. The soft and delicate whites of the Isonzo are ideal to combine with simple vegetable dishes, risottos and fish and cheese appetizers, the structured whites of the Collio are more suitable for more complex dishes or with sauces, grilled fish or soups and reds, with character and great typicality, are ideal with the tastiest meat dishes of the Italian tradition.

What are the main characteristics of white Friulian wine?

The Friulian white wine stands out for its elegance and structure, especially as regards wines from international grapes such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon. Among the whites born from native grapes we cannot fail to mention the Ribolla, defined as the “white for those who love reds thanks to its structure”, and the Tocai, an excellent white perfect for fish.

What is the most famous Friulian red wine?

The most famous and representative red wine is certainly the one obtained from Refosco dal Peduncolo rosso, a grape that owes its name to the fact that the bunches have red stems.