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[Central Italy] Friuli-Venezia Giulia
[Central Italy] Friuli-Venezia Giulia[Central Italy] Friuli-Venezia Giulia
In the map of Italian wines, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is undoubtedly a star region for white wines. Located in the northeast of Italy, this paradise-like land is known for its unique geographical environment, diverse grape varieties, and excellent winemaking techniques. Today, we will take you on a thorough exploration of this famous wine region and experience its unparalleled charm.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Location: Northeast Italy, near the borders of Austria and Slovenia.
Area: About 22,000 hectares of vineyards.
Main grape varieties: Merlot, Nebbiolo
Famous wines: Local specialty white wine Friulano, but there are also some quality red wines available.
*Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine region, source: Vineyards
Geographical Location
Friuli-Venezia Giulia borders internationally renowned wine producing countries like Austria and Slovenia, and faces the Adriatic Sea, developing its irreplaceable wine culture against a backdrop of multicultural interaction. Its southern part is influenced by the maritime climate of the Adriatic Sea, while the northern part is sheltered by the Alps, making this area an ideal environment for high-quality grape cultivation.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia comprises four main sub-regions: Collio, Colli Orientali, Isonzo, and Carso. Each sub-region has its own character, not only reflecting subtle differences in climatic conditions but also showcasing the passion and innovation of local winemakers.
Environmental Characteristics
The environmental characteristics of Friuli-Venezia Giulia are quite diverse, which is the foundation for its diverse, high-quality wines. The following points highlight what makes this land unique:
Climate: Most areas have a typical Mediterranean climate, with sea breezes bringing the humid maritime climate, while the inland enjoys a cool and dry continental climate. Due to the diverse terrain, especially in the mountainous and coastal areas, there is a large temperature variation between day and night, which helps the grapes ripen.
Soil: The local soil types are diverse, including limestone, clay, and mineral-rich sandy soils, which impart excellent flavor layers to the wines. In the Collio region, the unique Ponca soil is made up of limestone and sandstone, providing good drainage and mineral content, conducive to the growth of high-quality grapes.
Production Data: According to data from 2021, Friuli-Venezia Giulia has approximately 20,000 hectares of vineyards, producing about 1.5 million liters (around 16.5 million bottles) of wine annually.
The region has 4 DOCG (Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin) designations and 12 DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) designations, making it one of the important production areas for Italian white wine.
Main Grape Varieties:
1. Sauvignon Blanc
Description: Sauvignon Blanc is widely cultivated in Friuli-Venezia Giulia and is a classic taste that white wine lovers cannot miss.
Tasting Notes: Refreshing acidity with citrus, tropical fruit, and grassy aromas. The body is light yet vibrant, making it perfect for summer consumption.
*Sauvignon Blanc grape variety
2. Riesling
Description: Riesling is a fragrant and elegantly structured white grape variety, which is also highly regarded in the region.
Tasting Notes: Complex layers featuring peach, lemon, and floral notes. With aging, its flavors become rounder and richer.
*Riesling grape variety
3. Friulano
Description: Also known as Tocai Friulano, Sanvignonasse, Sauvignon Vert, it is a classic indigenous white grape variety of Friuli, dry yet rich, sometimes mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc.
Tasting Notes: Featuring flavors of almond, pear, and gentle floral notes, both dry and rich; with moderate acidity, making it very versatile for food pairing.
*Friulano grape variety
4. Ribolla Gialla
Description: An ancient indigenous white grape variety from Italy, valued for its high acidity and distinctive flavors. It predates the well-known Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and is primarily grown in the eastern hilly areas of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Tasting Notes: Featuring flavors of green apple, lemon, and minerals, the body is fresh and lively; with aging, more complex floral and fruity aromas may develop.
*Ribolla Gialla grape variety
5. Pinot Grigio
Description: Pinot Grigio is widely cultivated in this region and is known for its refreshing white wines.
Tasting Notes: Typically possesses crisp acidity with flavors of pear, citrus, and floral notes; the body is light, making it very suitable for summer consumption.
*Pinot Grigio grape variety
6. Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
Description: This is a native red grape variety with a long cultivation history in Friuli, mainly cultivated in northeastern Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Tasting Notes: Strongly structured with mature berry and spice notes, a long finish; the body is ample with strong tannins but becomes softer with aging.
*Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso grape variety
7. Merlot
Description: Although Merlot is not the primary variety in Friuli, it is used in many quality wineries as a blending grape.
Tasting Notes: The body is rounded and fruit-forward, typically featuring flavors of plum, blackberry, and vanilla.
*Merlot grape variety
Friuli-Venezia Giulia is a renowned wine region in northeastern Italy, known for its exceptional white wines. The main grape varieties here include Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Malvasia Istriana, which typically exhibit refreshing acidity and rich aromas, showcasing the unique soil and climate characteristics of the area. The region's climate is influenced by the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, creating a diverse microclimate suitable for various grape growth. Additionally, Friuli-Venezia Giulia is praised for its innovative natural winemaking style, attracting an increasing number of wine enthusiasts.
Famous Wines
Veneto is renowned worldwide for its unparalleled classic wines. Not only do these wines have a rich historical and cultural background, but they are also the favorites of every wine lover. Here are four classic masterpieces from Veneto that you shouldn't miss:
1. Soave
Main Grape Varieties: Garganega
Tasting Notes: Fresh and crisp, with flavors of citrus, peach, and minerals. High acidity and light body, the finish is typically clean and long-lasting, with a hint of salinity, making it an ideal choice for aperitifs and pairing with a variety of dishes, especially seafood.
Winemaking Process: After destemming and pressing, the grapes undergo low-temperature fermentation in stainless steel tanks (usually kept at 12 to 16°C) to preserve the freshness and fruitiness of the grapes.
Historical Background: The history of Soave dates back to Roman times when the region had already begun wine production. In 1931, Soave became one of the first Italian wines to receive Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) status. Since the 1970s, Soave has gradually gained international recognition and is one of the most popular white wines in Italy.
2. Valpolicella
Main Grape Varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, Merlot
Tasting Notes: Typically presents red fruits like cherries and strawberries, accompanied by a hint of spice. Best enjoyed when young.
Winemaking Process: After harvesting, the grapes are destemmed and pressed, then fermented. After fermentation, they can be aged in stainless steel or oak barrels.
Historical Background: Valpolicella has been widely recognized since the 19th century and is one of the most popular red wines in Italy.
3. Amarone della Valpolicella
Main Grape Varieties: Corvina, Rondinella, Merlot
Tasting Notes: Rich and complex, with flavors of black cherry, dried fruit, chocolate, and spices. Has a firm structure and is suitable for long aging.
Winemaking Process: After harvesting, the grapes are dried to reduce moisture and concentrate sugars. Then they are fermented and aged in oak barrels for at least two years.
Historical Background: The history of Amarone can be traced back to the sweet wine Recioto from ancient Roman times, when sweet-toothed Romans would add honey to the wine to increase its sweetness. Later, the method of winemaking using dried grapes was invented, reportedly resulting from an error by a winemaker who opened a long-fermented wine two years later, allowing the new flavor to be officially recognized.
4. Carso Orange Wine
Main Grape Varieties: Garganega
Tasting Notes: Orange wine typically exhibits deep colors and corresponding layers of flavor, characterized by aromas of ripe fruit, tea leaves, sweet spices, and nuts. Its body is robust and full, with high acidity and soft tannins, providing a more layered mouthfeel. Over time, orange wine may reveal subtle oxidative flavors, enhancing its stability and aging potential.
Winemaking Process: A wine produced through long skin contact fermentation using white grapes. This winemaking technique results in an amber or orange color and imparts unique flavors and structure.
Historical Background: In the 1990s, some Italian winemakers, such as Josko Gravner and Stanko Radikon, began experimenting with traditional orange wine-making techniques. They combined ancient methods with modern technology, bringing orange wine back into focus in the contemporary market.
5. Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
Main Grape Varieties: Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
Tasting Notes: Young Refosco exhibits vivid aromas of blackberry, plum, violet, and herbs. It has a strong structural mouthfeel, with rich and rounded tannins that become softer with aging, leaving a long finish with subtle spice and earthiness.
Winemaking Process: The grape juice is fermented in stainless steel tanks, usually controlled at 26-28°C, to preserve the fruitiness. Long maceration is performed during fermentation to extract color and tannins. After fermentation, the wine is aged in oak barrels for 6 months to 2 years to enhance its structure and complexity. Some wines may undergo a second fermentation to increase flavor layers.
Historical Background: The history of Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso can be traced back to ancient Roman times, with scholars suggesting it may be a descendant of the famous ancient red wine Picinum. This variety has a long cultivation history in the area and frequently appears in ancient literature. In the 20th century, with advances in winemaking techniques and changing market demands, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso gradually gained recognition. Winemakers began to explore the potential of this variety, making it one of the important wines in the Friuli region.
