Italian News Headlines 05-12-2024: A museum dedicated to Lord Byron is set to open in a house in Ravenna, where the English poet conducted a love affair with the aristocratic owner's wife --- Via Montenapoleone, in Milan, has overtaken New York's Fifth Avenue, to become the most expensive retail destination in 2024, according to a report be real estate group, Cushman & Wakefield --- Matilde Lorenzi, 19 year old Italian junior ski champion, has died following a crash while training in northern Italy --- Italian doctors in Turin have saved the sight of a baby in a surgical procedure that used 3D technology in a world first --- Italian yacht, Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli, loses to Ineos Brittania in the Louis Vuitton America's Cup Challenger Series in Barcelona --- Salvatore (Totò) Schillaci, FIFA World Cup winner in 1990, has died at the age of 59. He was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2022 --- Charles Leclerc wins at Monza for Ferrari in Italian F1 Grand Prix --- 7 dead as luxury, Italian-built superyacht sinks off the north coast of Sicily --- Controversy as tennis no.1, Jannik Sinner, is cleared of doping charges

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Wine

Friuli-Venezia Giulia Wine

Nestled in the northeastern corner of Italy, the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia remains a somewhat under-the-radar treasure trove for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts alike. With its unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Slovenian influences, this region has cultivated a viticultural identity that is as distinct as it is diverse. From the robust reds to the crisp, aromatic whites, Friuli-Venezia Giulia's wines encapsulate the essence of its varied terroir, history, and the meticulous dedication of its winemakers.

Geography and Climate: The Foundation of Diversity

The wine region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an amalgam of microclimates and soils, influenced significantly by its geographical position bordered by the Adriatic Sea to the south, the Alps to the north, and rolling hills that dominate the central zone. This juxtaposition of sea, mountains, and hillsides creates a tapestry of terroirs, each imparting unique characteristics to the wines produced.

The climate of the region is equally varied; coastal areas benefit from the moderating influence of the Adriatic, while the valleys and slopes nearer to the Alps experience cooler temperatures that contribute to the crisp acidity and freshness of the wines. The area's river valleys, such as the Isonzo and the Judrio, play pivotal roles in moderating the climate, making them fertile grounds for wine production.

The White Wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia: A Symphony of Aromatics

Friuli-Venezia Giulia's reputation shines brightest with its white wines. The region is revered for its varietal wines, where the focus is on the purity of the grape and its expression of the terroir. One cannot talk about Friulian whites without mentioning the native Friulano, formerly known as Tocai Friulano. This indigenous varietal produces wines that are dry, medium-bodied, and exhibit a characteristic almond note on the palate, alongside floral and fruity aromas.

Equally noteworthy is the Ribolla Gialla, a grape that has found a particular stronghold in the Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC zones. It yields vibrant wines with a bright acidity and minerality, often with a touch of salinity that reflects the region's proximity to the sea.

International varieties have also found a second home in this region, with Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Grigio achieving expressions that are often considered benchmarks for these grapes. They benefit from the cool climate and marly soils, known locally as "ponca," which impart a complexity and structure that are hard to find elsewhere.

The Red Wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia: The Overlooked Treasures

While the whites often steal the spotlight, Friuli-Venezia Giulia's reds offer a spectrum of styles that deserve equal acclaim. The red wines here tend to be lighter and more aromatic compared to those from regions further south in Italy.

The most prominent local red varietal is Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, known for its vivid ruby color, vibrant acidity, and flavors of dark berries and plums. Another indigenous red grape, Schioppettino, is celebrated for its peppery and spicy notes, often compared to the Syrah of the Rhône Valley.

The international Merlot and Cabernet Franc have been adopted and adapted here, producing wines with a unique Friulian twist. These varietals typically exhibit a finesse and elegance, with the potential for aging, bringing more complex tertiary flavors as they mature.

Viticulture and Winemaking: The Intersection of Tradition and Innovation

The winemakers of Friuli-Venezia Giulia have long been at the forefront of viticultural innovation while maintaining a deep respect for tradition. The winemaking technique of macerating white grapes on their skins, sometimes referred to as "orange wine" making, has historical roots in the region and has been revived to international acclaim.

Organic and biodynamic practices are increasingly common, as producers seek to highlight the natural expression of their varietals and terroir. The approach to winemaking here is often a blend of the meticulous control of modern techniques with age-old methods, resulting in wines that reflect both purity and complexity.

Denominations of Distinction: Understanding Friuli-Venezia Giulia's Wine Zones

The wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are delineated by several DOC and DOCG areas, each with its own set of rules and characteristics. The Collio DOC, bordering Slovenia, is perhaps the most renowned, especially for its white wines that offer a remarkable balance of body, acidity, and aromatic complexity.

The Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC, encompassing both hills and plains, produces some of the most structured and age-worthy wines of the region. Here, both native and international varieties thrive, and the area is also known for its sweet Picolit wines, a dessert wine made from a grape prone to low yields and high sugar concentration.

The Carso DOC, stretching to the limestone-rich plateau that extends to the Adriatic Sea, is unique for its red Terrano wine, known for its high acidity and iron-like minerality.

The Wineries: Champions of Friuli-Venezia Giulia's Wine Culture

There are countless wineries that contribute to the reputation of Friuli-Venezia Giulia's wines, ranging from historic estates to innovative newcomers. Wineries like Jermann, with their iconic Vintage Tunina, and Livio Felluga, a name synonymous with quality Friulian wines, have been instrumental in establishing the region's wine credentials on the international stage.

Smaller, artisanal producers also play a vital role in the region's wine culture. They often experiment with less conventional methods, such as extended skin contact for whites, amphora aging, and minimal intervention philosophies, which continue to intrigue and entice wine lovers looking for something truly unique.

The Cultural Tapestry: Wine as an Expression of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Wine in Friuli-Venezia Giulia is not merely a beverage but a cultural artifact that weaves together the region's diverse heritage. It is a reflection of the convergence of different languages, cuisines, and traditions that have come together over centuries.

The region's wines are intrinsically linked to its culinary traditions, with white wines pairing splendidly with the seafood of the Adriatic, and the reds complementing the heartier mountain fare. Wine festivals and tastings, such as the Cantine Aperte and the numerous local sagre, offer an immersive experience into the social fabric that binds the community and its wine culture.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Friuli-Venezia Giulia's Wines

The wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are poised for greater recognition as the world becomes increasingly aware of their distinctiveness and quality. With a new generation of winemakers at the helm, there is a continual push towards even more expressive and terroir-driven wines.

The future of Friuli-Venezia Giulia's wines is also being shaped by sustainable practices, as the wine industry globally moves towards more environmentally friendly methods. The region's winemakers are actively adapting to this change, ensuring that their legacy is preserved for future generations while maintaining the high standards they are known for.

Conclusion

The regional wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia represent an exciting chapter in Italy's vast enological book. The area's microclimates and diverse soils, coupled with the dedication of its winemakers, produce wines that are as complex as they are captivating. From the bright and zesty whites to the nuanced and earthy reds, Friuli-Venezia Giulia's wines are a testament to the region's unique position at the crossroads of cultures and climates. As more wine lovers discover these hidden gems, the wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are sure to secure their place on the global stage, not merely as regional wonders, but as world-class expressions of viticulture.

The Best Italian Handmade Gifts
Direct From Italy

Mireille Necklace (petrol blue) - Unique Murano Glass, Modern Italian Elegance

More Details

Notable Wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia, often abbreviated as FVG, is renowned for its white wines, which are considered among the best in Italy. However, the region also produces a number of noteworthy reds, sweet wines, and even some sparkling varieties. Below is a comprehensive list of wine types and notable grape varietals that the region is famous for, categorized by the type of wine:

White Wines:
  • Friulano (formerly Tocai Friulano)
  • Ribolla Gialla
  • Pinot Grigio
  • Sauvignon Blanc
  • Chardonnay
  • Pinot Bianco
  • Malvasia Istriana
  • Picolit (primarily for sweet wines)
  • Verduzzo Friulano (both dry and sweet styles)
  • Vitovska
  • Traminer Aromatico (Gewürztraminer)
  • Riesling
Red Wines:
  • Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
  • Schioppettino (also known as Ribolla Nera)
  • Merlot
  • Cabernet Franc
  • Cabernet Sauvignon
  • Pignolo
  • Tazzelenghe
  • Terrano (also known as Teran)
  • Pinot Nero (Pinot Noir)
Sweet/Dessert Wines:
  • Ramandolo (made from Verduzzo grapes)
  • Picolit (a rare and prized sweet wine)
  • Schioppettino Passito (a sweet wine made from dried Schioppettino grapes)
Sparkling Wines:
  • Ribolla Gialla Spumante
  • Prosecco (though more commonly associated with the Veneto region, some Prosecco is produced in FVG)
  • Friulano Sparkling Wine (made using the Charmat or traditional method)
Other Wines:
  • Rosato Wines (rosé wines made from a variety of red grapes)
  • Orange Wines (white wines that have been macerated with their skins, gaining color and tannins)
Notable Wine Producing Areas within Friuli-Venezia Giulia:
  • Collio DOC
  • Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC
  • Friuli Isonzo DOC
  • Carso DOC
  • Friuli Grave DOC
  • Friuli Annia DOC
  • Friuli Aquileia DOC
  • Latisana DOC
Specialty Products and Styles:
  • Friuli Colli Orientali Picolit DOCG: A DOCG appellation specifically for the sweet wine made from the Picolit grape.
  • Ramandolo DOCG: Another DOCG reserved for sweet wines from the Verduzzo grape.
  • Collio Goriziano or Collio DOC: Known for high-quality white wines from various grape varietals.
  • Venezia Giulia IGT: A broader geographical indication that allows for more experimentation with grape varieties and blends.

This list is indicative of the diversity and richness of the wine culture in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Each wine has its own distinct profile and is a reflection of the region's unique terroir and winemaking heritage. The region's winemakers continue to experiment and refine their craft, ensuring that FVG remains at the forefront of Italian winemaking innovation.

Italian Wines
  • Italian Red Grapes
    • Sangiovese

      • The most well known of the Italian grapes and responsible for the famous Tuscan wines. Using tradional techniques, the wines are earthy, full of cherry fruit and cedar. The wines produced include such famous names as: Chianti, Rosso di Montalcino, Brunello di Montalcino, Rosso di Montepulciano, Montefalco Rosso. The "Super-Tuscans", produced for the international market, blend the Sangiovese grape with Bordeaux varietals such as: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc, and often used French oak barrels to age.

    • Nebbiolo

      • Translated, the name means: "Little Fog", which refers to the autumn fog common in the region of Piedmont where it is grown. The grape seems to like these conditions but is difficult to cultivate otherwise. It is responsible for the famous wines of Barolo and Barbaresco, both produced in the Cuneo province of Piedmont. Barolo is often kept for more than 50 years, and is considered by many to be the greatest wine produced in Italy.

    • Montepulciano

      • This grape is planted in Abruzzo,and should not be confused with the town of the same name in Tuscany. It produces a wine with silky plum-like fruit, friendly acidity, and light tannin, recent bottles have improved greatly on those in the past.

    • Barbera

      • This grape is the most widely grown in Piedmont and southern Lombardy, particularly around the towns of Asti, Alba and Pavia. Previously, the Barbera wines were considered a poor alternative to Barolo, but recently they have improved dramatically. The wine has bright cherry fruit, a very dark color, and a food-friendly acidity. It is being produced increasingly for the international market.

    • Corvina

      • This is the grape that makes Valpolicella and Amarone, the best known wines of the Veneto. Valpolicella has dark cherry fruit and spice. If the grapes are dried, a process called "passito", they produce a wine called Amarone. Some are aged for more than 40 years and can command extremely high prices. Amarone di Valpolicella was awarded DOCG status in 2009.

    • Nero dAvola

      • A native varietal of Sicily, this grape was virtually unheard of a few years ago. Now, the quality of the wine is improving steadily and it is becoming increasingly popular on the international market for its plummy fruit and sweet tannins.

    • Dolcetto

      • This grape is called "Little Sweet One", because it is easy to grow and produces great wines for everyday drinking. It is grown alongside the Barbera and Nebbiola grapes in Piedmont and produces wine with flavors of concord grape, wild blackberries and herbs.

    • Negroamaro

      • Translated, the name means "Black and Bitter". It is grown extensively in the region of Puglia where it is used to produce the Salento wines: spicy, toasty, and full of dark red fruits.

    • Aglianico

      • Considered by many to be the "Noble Varietal of the south" Aglianico grapes are primarily grown in the regions of Campania and Basilicata. The name is derived from Hellenic, so the grape is considered to be a Greek transplant. Thick skinned and spicy, the wines are often both rustic and powerful.

    • Sagrantino

      • This grape is native to Umbria. It is only planted on 250 hectares, but the wines produced from it are world-renowned. Inky purple, with rustic brooding fruit and heavy tannins, these wines can age for many years.

    • Malvasia Nera

      • Red Malvasia varietal from Piedmont. A sweet and perfumed wine, sometimes elaborated in the passito style.

Other major red varieties are Ciliegolo, Gaglioppo, Lagrein, Lambrusco, Monica, Nerello Mascalese, Pignolo, Primitivo (Zinfandel in California), Refosco, Schiava, Schiopettino, Teroldego, and Uva di Troia. "International" varietals such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Cabernet Franc are also widely grown.

  • Italian White Grapes
    • Catarratto

      • This is the most widely planted white varietal in Salaparuta, south western Sicily.

    • Trebbiano

      • This is the most widely planted white varietal in Italy. It is grown throughout the country, with a special focus on the wines from Abruzzo and from Lazio, including Frascati. Mostly, they are pale, easy drinking wines, but trebbiano from producers such as Valentini have been known to age for 15+ years. It is known as Ugni Blanc in France.

    • Moscato

      • Grown mainly in Piedmont, it is mainly used in the slightly-sparkling (frizzante), semi-sweet Moscato d"Asti. Not to be confused with moscato giallo and moscato rosa, two Germanic varietals that are grown in Trentino- Alto-Adige.

    • Nuragus

      • An ancient Phoenician varietal found in southern Sardegna. Light and tart wines that are drunk as an apertif in their homeland.

    • Pinot Grigio

      • A hugely successful commercial grape (known as Pinot Gris in France), its wines are characterized by crispness and cleanness. As a hugely mass-produced wine, it is usually delicate and mild, but in a good producers" hands, the wine can grow more full-bodied and complex. The main problem with the grape is that to satisfy the commercial demand, the grapes are harvested too early every year, leading to wines without character.

    • Tocai Friulano

      • A varietal distantly related to Sauvignon Blanc, it yields the top wine of Friuli, full of peachiness and minerality. Currently, there is a bit of controversy regarding the name, as the EC has demanded it changed to avoid confusion with the Tokay dessert wine from Hungary.

    • Ribolla Gialla

      • A Slovenian grape that now makes its home in Friuli, these wines are decidedly old-world, with aromas of pineapple and mustiness.

    • Arneis

      • A crisp and floral varietal from Piedmont, which has been grown there since the 15th century.

    • Malvasia Bianca

      • Another white varietal that peeks up in all corners of Italy with a wide variety of clones and mutations. Can range from easy quaffers to funky, musty whites.

    • Pigato

      • A heavily acidic varietal from Liguria, the wines are vinified to pair with a cuisine rich in seafood.

    • Fiano
      • Grown on the southwest coast of Italy, the wines from this grape can be described as dewy and herbal, often with notes of pinenut and pesto.
    • Garganega

      • The main grape varietal for wines labeled Soave, this is a crisp, dry white wine from the Veneto wine region of Italy. It"s a very popular wine that hails from northeast Italy around the city of Verona. Currently, there are over 3,500 distinct producers of Soave.

    • Vermentino

      • This is widely planted in northern Sardinia and also found in Tuscan and Ligurian coastal districts. Wines are particularly popular to accompany fish and seafood.

    • Verdicchio

      • This is grown in the areas of Castelli di Jesi and Matelica in the Marche region and gives its name to the varietal white wine made from it. The name comes from "verde" (green). The white wines are noted for their high acidity and a characteristic nutty flavour with a hint of honey.

Other important whites include Carricante, Catarratto, Coda de Volpe, Cortese, Falanghina, Grechetto, Grillo, Inzolia, Picolit, Traminer, Verduzzo, and Vernaccia. As far as non-native varietals, the Italians plant Chardonnay, Gewürztraminer (sometimes called traminer aromatico), Riesling, Petite Arvine, and many others.

WEATHER
Other pages you might like
Newsletter
Enter your email address below to receive our free newsletter, 'I Love Italy'. It provides a captivating glimpse into the allure of 'The Bel Paese', containing extracts from our most recent articles, a window on Italian news, fashion, music and culture, useful information for visiting and living in Italy as well as our latest, delicious Italian recipes.

Subscribers are also entitled to a 10% discount on purchases from our sister-site, Italy Gifts Direct.

We will not use your email address for any other purpose or pass it on to any other organisation and you can unsubscribe from this service at any time.