Friuli

Located in the northeastern corner of Italy, Friuli Venezia Giulia—often simply referred to as Friuli—is a region celebrated for its unique and expressive wines. Nestled against the borders of Austria and Slovenia, Friuli benefits from a distinctive climate influenced by the Alps to the north and the Adriatic Sea to the south. This blend of mountainous cool and coastal breezes creates an ideal setting for growing grapes that yield wines with remarkable freshness and purity of flavor.

Friuli is particularly renowned for its white wines, which are some of Italy’s finest. The region is home to a variety of indigenous and international grape varieties. Noteworthy native grapes include Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and Picolit. International varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Chardonnay also thrive here, taking on a distinctive Friulian character thanks to the region’s terroir. Friulano, once known as Tocai Friulano, is especially cherished for its crisp minerality and delicate almond notes, often served as an apéritif or with seafood. Ribolla Gialla produces bright, citrussy wines, sometimes crafted into the region’s signature orange wines, where prolonged skin contact lends an amber hue and a complex, textured palate.

Red wines from Friuli, though less internationally recognized, should not be overlooked. Varietals such as Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Merlot, and Schioppettino offer vibrant berry flavors, fresh acidity, and a supple texture. Red wines from Friuli often feature a lighter touch and greater freshness compared to those from other Italian regions, making them particularly versatile at the table.

Historically, Friuli has been a crossroads of cultures and influences, which echoes in its wine styles. The region’s winemaking tradition dates back to Roman times, but it was in the late 20th century that Friuli emerged as a pioneer in modern Italian white winemaking, emphasizing cleanliness, temperature control, and varietal purity. This approach set Friuli apart from many other Italian regions, whose wines were sometimes rustic or oxidative in style. Today, Friuli is viewed as a leader in the clean, aromatic, and expressive style of white wines.

Friulian wines distinguish themselves through their balance, food-friendliness, and ability to showcase both traditional and innovative winemaking techniques, such as the production of orange wines and amphora-aged whites. These wines pair effortlessly with a wide range of dishes: crisp Friulano and Pinot Grigio are classic partners for seafood, shellfish, and light vegetable dishes, while more textured styles can complement poultry, risotto, and even mildly spicy Asian cuisine. The reds, with their fresh profile, suit charcuterie, roasted meats, and game birds particularly well.