Friuli–Venezia Giulia

1. Overview

Friuli–Venezia Giulia is one of Italy’s top regions for high-quality white wines.
The area sits between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea and produces crisp, mineral, structured whites along with distinctive reds and some excellent skin-contact (orange) wines.

2. Key Grapes

Whites

• Pinot Grigio – widely planted; fresh and citrusy.
• Friulano – almond, pear, herbal notes.
• Ribolla Gialla – high acidity; used for both classic whites and orange wines.
• Sauvignon Blanc – herbal, flinty, mineral.
• Malvasia Istriana – floral, slightly salty.
• Vitovska – Carso specialty; very mineral.

Reds

• Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso – firm tannin, dark fruit.
• Schioppettino – peppery, high-acid.
• Merlot – widely grown; both fresh and structured styles.
• Terrano – very high acid; grown mainly in Carso.

3. Key Regions

• Collio DOC – best known for textured, mineral whites; skin-contact wines in Oslavia.
• Colli Orientali del Friuli – Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc, Ribolla Gialla; elegant reds.
• Carso (Karst) – limestone plateau; saline, austere whites; Terrano reds.
• Isonzo DOC – concentrated whites and structured Merlot.
• Grave DOC – broad gravel plains; Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot.

4. Climate & Terroir

• Alpine cooling from the north; Adriatic warmth from the south.
• The Bora wind keeps vineyards dry and healthy.
• Soils include Ponca (marl/sandstone), limestone, gravel, and clay-limestone.
• Harvest runs from late August to October depending on the grape.

5. Styles

• Clean, aromatic whites (Friulano, SB, PG).
• Textural wines with lees ageing.
• Skin-contact/orange wines (especially Ribolla Gialla).
• Characterful reds (Refosco, Schioppettino).
• Sweet Picolit wines (very limited).

6. Summary

Friuli–Venezia Giulia produces some of Italy’s best white wines, combining Alpine freshness with Mediterranean balance.
Its mix of native grapes, diverse soils, and modern + traditional techniques gives it a uniquely expressive style.