Amordivino Wines
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Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Population: 1.184.654
Surface (Kmq): 7844
Density (Inhabitants/Kmq.): 151
Main City: Trieste (TS)
Other towns: Gorizia (GO); Pordenone (PN); Udine (UD).

Due to its geographical location, Friuli-Venezia Giulia has been for centuries a crossroads of cultures and people, a borderland, the front line between the Latin, Slav and Germanic cultures. The region’s diverse natures show not only in its various languages, but also in architectural design, in its cuisine, in its folklore and in the soul and culture of its proud and hospitable people. Friuli’s mountains are excellent for all sorts of winter and summer sports. The Carnia is one of the most important botanical areas in Europe. The Tarvisiano boasts natural beauties which include the Foresta di Tarvisio, one of the most beautiful woodlands in Italy, and Laghi di Fusine, lakes surrounded by luxuriant foliage. The region is also famous for its seaside resorts and coastline: Lignano Sabbiadoro, named after the colour of its beaches; the fishermen village of Marano Lagunaro with its picturesque casoni, straw huts; and Grado, also known as the golden island.

 


 
 

Though the wines produced in this region represent only a fraction of Italy's total production, to some they are comparable in quality to wine produced in Piedmont and Tuscany, the two most celebrated wine producing regions of Italy. The main difference between the regions is that Friuli-Venezia Giulia wines are mostly white, though some exceptional reds can be found as well.

The foremost white wine produced in this region is the Tocai Friulano. Because of a confusion between a Hungarian grape called Tokaj and a French one called Tokay, the European Community has demanded name changes of the French and Friuli grapes by 2006, allowing Hungary to keep the original Tokaj name. As a result, starting from 2007, Tocai Friulano will be called "Friulano".

Other local whites include Chardonnay, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Ribolla Gialla, Riesling Italico and Riesling Renano, Sauvignon Blanc, Traminer Aromatico, Verduzzo and Malvasia Istriana. This last one is a somewhat "metallic" wine that complements wonderfully the Adriatic seafood recipes. It should not be confused with the Malvasia produced in Sicily, which is a totally different (and sweet) wine.

Amongst the reds produced in the region are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Collio and Collio Cabernet, Merlot, Pignolo, Pinot Nero, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Schioppettino, Tazzelenghe, and Terrano. The Terrano is made with the Refosco grape grown in characteristic red soil. The peculiar qualities of the sun and soil of the Carso area contribute to the wine’s special characteristics. Low in alcohol, it is sometimes prescribed by doctors to cure digestive problems as well as to patients who need iron, because its acidity is thought to be beneficial.

DOCG wines:
Ramandolo
Picolit

DOC wines:
Carso
Colli orientali del Friuli
Collio goriziano o Collio
Friuli Annia
Friuli Aquileia
Friuli Grave
Friuli Isonzo
Friuli Latisana
Lison-Pramaggiore