Friuli-Venezia Giulia is positioned in Italy's top northeastern corner
In tribute to Italy’s dire situation with COVID-19, my
Blogs for the entire month of April will be dedicated to Italia. Today’s article is devoted to the top white wine district
in the country, Friuli-Venezia Giulia.
Located in Italy’s far northeastern corner, this magical wine area was
once ruled by the Venetian Republic, as well as the former powerhouse
Austrian-Hungarian Empire. Today, it’s
the perfect viticultural combination of both of these former rulers: Italian passion meets Slavic grape varietals.
Friuli-Venezia Giulia produces world-class
whites. The region’s vineyard yields are
among the lowest in Italy. This is the
result of Friuli’s quest for quality. It’s
also one of the reasons some of the gorgeous white wines are more expensive than
other Italian white wines. (BTW: they are worth every Euro). There are also some sleeper bargains that I
have listed below.
The area’s terroir is critical in making superior white
wine. Bordered on its north by the Alps,
these mountains protect the wine region from the dramatic Austrian winter. The Adriatic Sea frames it’s southeastern border
and like all bodies of water, the sea helps moderate the climate. Friuli’s summer weather is typically characterized
with very warm days and chilly nights…perfect growing conditions for grapes to
maintain a balance between acidity and ripe sugar levels. Known as the “diurnal shift,” this
significant swing between day and night-time temperatures is seen in every wine
region of the world that makes complex wines.
Valley soils are well-drained alluvial matter that have been washed down
from the Alps. Friuli-Venezia Giulia
also has rolling hills which enhance drainage.
White grape varieties are not typically seen outside
of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. One of my
favorites is Ribolla Gialla (ree-bowl-lah-jawl-lah). These light-medium bodied wines offer seductive
floral aromatics and a mineral-laced citrus palate, along with acidity to
create the perfect food-friendly wine.
Friuliano is another varietal from this area. These wines are fruit-driven with notes of
nuts and citrus with a touch of minerality to complete the perfect sip. There’s also Pinot Grigio, but don’t think
for one moment that it’s not top notch.
Instead, think of complex tropical fruit layers and lingering finishes.
A winemaking castle in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
Below are my suggestions for Friuli-Venezia Giulia
that are available in the US:
- Klet Brda “Bagueri” Ribolla Gialla: $30
- Gradis’Ciutta Gratins Collo Pinot Grigio: a steal at $15
- Vigne Zamo Vigne Cinquant’Anni Friuliano: $35 & worth every penny
- Torre Rosazza Pinot Grigio: a bargain $19
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