The famous Italian wine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia has restored the Italian white wine's
Near the Slovenian border, in the northeast of Italy, Friuli is a crossroads of Germanic, Latin and Slav cultures that is found in the viticultural techniques and the grape varieties used.
Before the 1980's, Friuli wine was made by cooperatives but now a new ambitious generation of winemakers produces a revolutionary white wine which bring prestige to the region. The wine estates are more oriented towards experimentation than the search of continuity.
Friuli has a complex viticultural area of nine DOC and many small wine estates. The high-quality wines are made in three eastern appellations. The others DOC are located on the Adriatic coast and in the central plain.
The more prestigious wines are made from the vineyards on the slopes of Collio Goriziano, Colli Orientali del Friuli and the north of DOC Friuli Isonzo, near the Slovenian border. The vines enjoy warm summers and mineral soils. Collio Goriziano is specialized in dry white wines whereas Colli Orientali DOC makes varietal wines and has a large range of production from dessert wines to local red wines. This appellation produces the red wine of Refosco with its round tannins and an incredible berry intensity.
Major grape varieties in Fruili
The international grape varieties – Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, and Chardonnay – are blend with local varieties like Friulano or Ribolla Gialla.
The Carso DOC, on a limestone plateau above the Gulf of Trieste, produces amazing dry wines made of the local grapes Vitovska and Refosco, called here Terrano.
Aquileia DOC on the Adriatic coast supplies the most famous red wines of Friuli. They are made of Refosco and balance a crisp acidity with red fruits flavors.
The best producers in Friuli
The wine estates of importance in Friuli are Jermann, Lis Neris, Vie di Romans, Schiopetto and Livio Felluga.
