Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine
The region has 3 indicazione geografica tipica (IGT) designations Alto Livenza, delle Venezie and Venezia Giulia.
Following the phylloxera epidemic of the 19th century, winemaking in the Friuli region was very muted and did not begin to garner much attention till the 1970s.
[3] The international popularity of Pinot grigio in the 1980s and 1990s help to change the dynamic of Friuli-Venezia Giulia winemaking.
Part of the region's vineyards extend over the border with Slovenia, but none of the Slovenian Wines can bear the designation Collio.
Other notable wines from this district include Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Cialla Schioppettino.
The far southern district is the Corno di Rosazzo, which is heavily planted with Ribolla Gialla, that is believed to have originated in the vineyards of the local abbey over 1,000 years ago.
[1] The Isonzo and Carso wine regions are located in the far southeastern part of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, bordering Slovenia.
The region is known for its sparkling Pinot bianco as well as dry white wines made from Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana and Sauvignon blanc.
Other Isonzo DOC designated wines include dry, off dry and sparkling wines made from Gewürztraminer, Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Franconia, Moscato Giallo, Moscato Rosa, Pinot grigio, Pinot nero, Refosco, Riesling, Schioppettino, Friulano, Verduzzo and Welschriesling.
The Vendemmia Tardiva is a late harvest wine made from a varietal style or blend of Chardonnay, Pinot bianco, Friulano and Verduzzo.
[5] The best vineyards in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia are located on the south facing slopes of the Alps foothills, in the southern part of the region, where they can benefit from the most direct sunlight to go along with the night-time cool breezes from the Adriatic.
The general philosophy of Friuli winemakers (especially in regards to their white wines) is to emphasise the grape's pure fruitiness and acidity without the masking effects of oak.
To this extent, the Friulians more closely resemble the Alsatians and winemakers of the Loire Valley than their counterparts in Burgundy, Spain and other parts of Italy.
The grape was widely known as Tocai Friulano, but in 2006 the European Union banned names that have some similarity or association with the Hungarian wine Tokaji.
The high acidity of the grape works well in sweet production and in regions like Ramandolo it is often dried to make a passito wine.
Sauvignon blancs are made in a style reminiscent of Sancerre with smoke, herbs and elements of honey and hazelnut.
[2] Along with the internationally styled Merlots, Friuli produces some distinctive red wines from the local grape varieties.
The Schioppettino (meaning "gunshot" and sometimes called Ribolla Nera) also produces very tannic wines with spice and pepper notes behind the ripe fruit flavors.
