Friuli Venezia Giulia Wine Region And Their Best Wines

What sets the Friuli Venezia Giulia wine region apart?

Well, it’s a combination of things like its diverse terroir, wide range of grape types, and long-standing tradition of top-notch winemaking.

In this article, I comprehensively explore this region, looking at;

• An overview of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine region
• A collection of favorites from Friuli Venezia Giulia
• The white wines of the Friuli region
• The red and orange Wines
• Notable wineries and estates
• Pairing wines with local dishes

Here’s a table providing an overview of some of the main wine varieties produced in Friuli Venezia Giulia, along with their grape variety, wine type, flavor profile, and food pairing suggestions.

Wine Name (General)	Grape Variety	Wine Type	Flavor Profile	Food Pairing Suggestions
Pinot Grigio	Pinot Grigio	White	Crisp, citrusy, with hints of green apple	Seafood, salads, light pasta dishes
Friulano	Friulano	White	Almond, stone fruit, herbal	Risotto, seafood, poultry
Ribolla Gialla	Ribolla Gialla	White	Citrus, green apple, white flowers	Seafood, fresh cheeses, vegetable dishes
Sauvignon Blanc	Sauvignon Blanc	White	Tropical fruit, grassy, herbal	Goat cheese, salads, vegetarian dishes
Refosco dal Peduncolo	Refosco	Red	Cherry, plum, peppery	Pasta with tomato sauce, grilled meats
Malvasia Istriana	Malvasia Istriana	White	Floral, peach, honey	Spicy Asian cuisine, cured meats, aged cheeses
Schioppettino	Schioppettino	Red	Red berries, black pepper, earthy	Grilled meats, game, aged cheeses
Prosecco	Glera	Sparkling	Floral, fruity, with delicate bubbles	Aperitifs, light appetizers, seafood dishes
Tocai Friulano	Friulano	White	Apricot, peach, almond	Grilled fish, risotto, light pasta dishes
Orange Wine	Various	Orange	Tannic, complex, with oxidative notes	Aged cheeses, charcuterie, hearty vegetarian dishes

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Wine Region

In the top part of Italy’s Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, near Austria and Slovenia, you’ll find a place famous for making (white) wine.

It has different weather and landscapes, with some parts being influenced by the ocean and others having a colder Alpine climate. These conditions are great for making unique Italian wines.

The white wines from Friuli-Venezia Giulia are famous for their rich taste and complexity. They’re a source of pride for this varied area and show off the careful winemaking techniques developed over many years.

These fantastic wines represent some of the region’s best offerings, including some of Italy’s top wines.

The Land of Contrasts

The vineyards in Friuli-Venezia Giulia have a mix of different climates and soils, which make them unique.

The wines from this region reflect this diversity, with some benefiting from the warm Adriatic coast while others thrive in the cool Alpine air up north. The breezes from the sea and mountains help create lively and well-structured white wines with refreshing acidity and interesting flavors.

Even a grape like Vitovska, not widely known, grown in the Carso DOC area, shows how this region can make wines with notable flavors like herbs and citrus. These flavors come from the unique land where the grapes grow, much like what you find in a cabernet franc.

A Rich History of Winemaking

The history of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine region is as rich and diverse as its wines.

Its name comes from its Roman roots, Forum Iuli, and bears the marks of Venetian influence. Ancient cities like Aquileia, with their Roman ruins and Christian mosaics, show how deeply connected winemaking is to the region’s past.

Despite challenges like the phylloxera epidemic, the region’s winemaking tradition has grown local and international grape varieties.

The commitment to tradition and excellence is reflected in today’s focus on quality, as seen in limited vineyard yields and the continued use of ancient winemaking practices, such as the production of Picolit wine.

My Favorite Wines from Friuli

I’ve tried many different wines from Friuli, and they’ve all impressed me. My top picks are Collio Goriziano and the sweet, golden dessert wine from Ramandolo. They show off the region’s variety and the dedication of its winemakers.

Collio Goriziano (or Collio)

Having tasted Collio Goriziano firsthand, it’s like experiencing the essence of the Gorizia hills in a glass. Whether you’re savoring its red or white varieties, there’s this undeniable richness and full-bodied character that envelops your palate.

Its diversity is fascinating, stemming from the 17 different types of grapes used in its making. It’s not surprising that people have been singing its praises throughout history, from ancient Greek writers to medieval scholars like Cassiodorus.

If you’re looking for a wine with a stellar reputation and flavors that truly captivate, I highly recommend giving Collio a try.

Colli Orientali del Friuli

White wine reigns supreme in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, making up more than 60 percent of the wines produced under this esteemed DOC label.

Here, the unique combination of marl and sandstone soils contributes to creating wines that are as diverse as they are exquisite, including beloved varietals such as Friulano and Picolit.

Colli Piacentini

Like Colli Orientali del Friuli, Colli Piacentini offers a range of wines, like Friulano and Picolit. This DOC region shares the same commitment to making great white wines, and its landscape adds to the unique flavors you’ll taste in every bottle.

My personal favorite is Friulano, which pairs well with a variety of dishes, including seafood, poultry, and vegetable-based dishes. Try pairing Friulano with grilled shrimp, risotto with asparagus, or a fresh Caprese salad.

– Luca

Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato

Another exquisite offering from the hills of Gorizia, Cortese dell’Alto Monferrato, matches Collio’s full-bodied profile. Whether red or white, this wine shows off the variety of grapes in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

Friuli Grave

Friuli Grave, the largest DOC zone in the region, is known for its wines, including:

• Merlot
• Cabernets
• Pinots
• Tocai
• Chardonnay

The gravel-filled lowlands, which give the area its name, are the perfect foundation for cultivating these varietals, resulting in wines as robust as the terrain itself.

The region is home to numerous wine estates, each producing its unique flavors and blends.

Friuli Isonzo

The Friuli Isonzo DOC a fertile basin that produces a variety of wines including

• Merlot
• Friulano
• Pinot Bianco
• Pinot Grigio

is located along the gravelly banks of the Isonzo River. Here, winemaking is steeped in history, with anecdotes of emperors and bridges made of wine containers adding to the lore of this prolific region.

Lison-Pramaggiore

Lison-Pramaggiore DOC is famous for its Pinot Grigio and other wines. This region sits between Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

It’s a newer DOC that shows how the area is always trying new things, mixing well-known grapes like Sauvignon and Merlot with Friuli’s most famous grape, Pinot Grigio.

Ramandolo

Ramandolo is a sweet, golden-yellow dessert wine with a history as rich as its flavor profile. Some key facts about Ramandolo include:

• It is made using a late-harvest method, allowing the grapes to ripen fully on the vine and develop concentrated sugars and flavors.
• It typically uses traditional winemaking techniques, including slow fermentation and aging in oak barrels. This gentle approach allows the wine to develop depth and complexity over time, producing a rich, aromatic final product.
• The primary grape variety used to produce Ramandolo wine is Verduzzo Friulano. This indigenous grape is known for its thick skins and high sugar content, which make it well-suited for producing sweet wines.

Ribolla Gialla

Ribolla Gialla is a versatile white wine with zesty acidity and vibrant aromas.

It’s another great example of how diverse the wines are in this area. Made near Gorizia, Ribolla Gialla has been popular since the 12th century.

People love its pale yellow color with hints of green and its refreshing, fragrant taste.

White Wines: The Pride of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s white wines truly reflect the region’s winemaking skill.

With 20,000 hectares of vineyards and prestigious labels, including 4 DOCG, 12 DOC, and 3 IGP designations, the region’s white wines are renowned for their vivid structure and high acidity, contributing to their extensive aging potential.

Refreshing and Elegant Whites

Recognized for their refreshing elegance and rich, creamy textures, Friuli’s white wines command celebration.

They are primarily known for their mineral aromas and ability to produce crisp flavors that avoid oak aging, preserving the natural purity and linearity of the grapes.

Among these, sparkling wines also hold a special place in the hearts of wine enthusiasts.

Some examples include;

• Friulano: A native grape variety of Friuli-Venezia Giulia known for producing refreshing white wines with almonds, stone fruits, and herbs flavors.
• Pinot Grigio: It’s known for its crisp acidity and citrusy flavors. It is light-bodied and refreshing, making it a popular choice for sipping on warm summer days or pairing with salads and appetizers.
• Ribolla Gialla: It has notes of green apple, citrus, and white flowers. Ribolla Gialla wines are refreshing and lively, ideal for pairing with seafood, poultry, and fresh cheeses.
• Prosecco: While Prosecco is not native to Friuli-Venezia Giulia (Veneto is), the region is known for producing high-quality sparkling wines from the Glera grape variety. Prosecco is famous for its delicate bubbles, fruity aromas, and crisp acidity.
• Ribolla Gialla Spumante: In addition to still wines, Ribolla Gialla is also used to produce sparkling wines, known as Ribolla Gialla Spumante. These wines undergo a secondary fermentation to create lively bubbles and a refreshing effervescence.

Indigenous and International Varieties

Showcasing the region’s commitment to its viticultural heritage, Friuli’s white wines are a harmonious blend of indigenous and international varieties, including:

• Friulano
• Ribolla Gialla
• Malvasia Istriana
• Sauvignon Blanc

Sauvignon Blanc wines, for example, typically exhibit vibrant acidity and intense aromatics. They often feature notes of citrus fruits like lemon and grapefruit, as well as tropical fruits such as passion fruit and pineapple.

Additionally, herbal and grassy undertones are common, adding complexity to the wine.

Red and Orange Wines: The Hidden Gems

Although Friuli-Venezia Giulia is famous for its white wines, the region’s red and orange varieties remain hidden treasures that await discovery.

With wines like the bold Refosco leading the red grape offerings and the rise of orange wines capturing the attention of wine enthusiasts, Friuli’s spectrum of wines is both broad and deeply enchanting.

Bold Reds with a Unique Character

The Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, with its high acidity and prominent tannins, is a prime example of Friuli’s distinctive red wines.

Schioppettino, another red varietal, offers a peppery spice and a complex profile that includes black fruit and earthy tones.

The Rise of Orange Wines

Orange wines from Friuli-Venezia Giulia are experiencing a resurgence, thanks to the region’s innovative winemakers who have embraced this ancient style with a modern twist.

The extended maceration process creates wines with a unique personality, and the use of local grape varieties like Ribolla Gialla adds a distinct terroir-driven quality to these captivating wines.

Notable Wineries and Estates

As varied and remarkable as the wines they produce, the wineries of Friuli-Venezia Giulia stand apart.

Pioneering estates like Schiopetto or the historic Volpe Pasiniare are worth mentioning for their contribution to the region’s winemaking legacy and their passion for quality and sustainability at the heart of Friuli vineyards.

Here are some other notable ones;

• Livio Felluga: Founded in the late 1800s, it is one of the most renowned wineries in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The estate is committed to excellence and innovation, producing wines from indigenous and international grape varieties, including Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Pinot Grigio.
• Jermann: Established in the 1970s by Silvio Jermann, this family-owned winery has gained international acclaim for its exceptional white wines. Jermann is known for its meticulous vineyard management practices and precise winemaking techniques, resulting in deep, complex, and elegant wines.
• Vie di Romans: Situated in the heart of Friuli’s Colli Orientali del Friuli region, Vie di Romans is celebrated for its terroir-driven approach to winemaking. The estate produces a range of white and red wines, focusing on indigenous grape varieties like Friulano and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso.
• Ronco del Gnemiz: Located in the Colli Orientali del Friuli appellation, Ronco del Gnemiz is known for its small-batch, artisanal wines made with a deep respect for tradition and terroir. The estate produces a diverse portfolio of wines, including Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and the indigenous Picolit.
• Vignai da Duline: This boutique winery is dedicated to crafting natural and terroir-driven wines that reflect the unique characteristics of Friuli’s Collio region. Vignai da Duline focuses on organic and biodynamic farming practices, producing wines with purity, complexity, and a sense of place.

Pairing Wines with Local Dishes

Complementing the region’s local cuisine, the wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia make for beautiful pairings.

Whether the aromatic Friulano complements veal medallions or the crisp Sauvignon balances the heartiness of Frico, these wines elevate the flavors of traditional dishes to new heights, creating a harmonious blend of taste and texture that is both delightful and memorable.

To learn more about pairing the Friuli-Venezi Giulia wines, refer to the table at the beginning of the article. But here are my personal choices:

Friulano

Whenever I enjoy a glass of Friulano, I can’t resist pairing it with a comforting plate of frico.

There’s something magical about how the rich and savory flavors of the cheese and potatoes mingle with the wine’s almond and stone fruit notes.

If I’m feeling a bit fancier, I’ll opt for a seafood risotto or creamy pasta dish to complement Friulano’s elegant profile.

Ribolla Gialla

When I’m in the mood for seafood, Ribolla Gialla is my go-to wine. Its citrusy and floral notes perfectly complement the fresh flavors of grilled shrimp or seafood pasta.

I love how the wine’s vibrant acidity cuts through any richness in the dish, leaving my palate refreshed and craving another sip.

I’ll pair Ribolla Gialla with a crisp salad or a plate of grilled vegetables for a lighter meal.

Schioppettino

There’s nothing quite like cozying up with a glass of Schioppettino and a hearty plate of polenta topped with sausage or a rich beef stew.

The wine’s ripe red berry flavors and subtle peppery notes elevate the meat’s savory flavors, creating a delicious and comforting combination.

If I’m in the mood for something simpler, I’ll enjoy Schioppettino with a platter of aged cheeses or grilled vegetables.

Summary

Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine country feels like stepping into a world where old meets new, and caring for the environment is just as crucial as making delicious wine.

Whether you’re into crisp whites, bold reds, or the unique tang of orange wines, Friuli has a bottle that’ll sing your taste buds.

Exploring its vineyards and wineries has been like unlocking a treasure trove of flavors and stories, leaving me endlessly fascinated and eager for more with every glass.

Frequently Asked Questions