The hilly wine region of Friuli lies in the northernmost tip of Italy. It's a place where light, soft, and aromatic wines are produced. Those who love white wines will be in their element here, as the grapes are primarily white. But beyond that, every wine lover can indulge themselves here, as they also produce interesting red wines made from unique grapes.

Pure, fresh wines from Friuli

Wine has always played a major role in this region. Thanks to its location, Friuli has always been a key player in overseas trading. Moreover, the winemakers in this region were very progressive. It was Friuli where wine was first made from a single grape variety. But in the 1970s, they also experimented with other vinification methods. For example, more and more wines were fermented in stainless steel tanks at controlled temperatures. This enhanced the freshness of the wines, which is precisely what made this region so famous.

The main DOC areas are Grave del Friuli and Colli Oreintali del Friuli. The latter consists of steep, terraced vineyards. Here, the sun shines brightly, and the grapes are only too happy to take advantage of it. Cool winds from the Alps blow through the vineyards, occasionally tempering the high temperatures. The region primarily produces white grape varieties, which winemakers are eager to experiment with. Grave del Friuli lies further west of the region, where the vineyards are much flatter. With sandstone soils rich in marl and volcanic rock, we also see more red grape varieties planted. Merlot is popular and is therefore well-established in the nutrient-rich soil.

White wines from Friuli

The main grape varieties are Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Tocai Friulano. The latter, in particular, is exceptional, producing powerful wines with a wide variety of aromas. A prime example is the Friulano from the Alturis winery. This white wine will transport you to beautiful Italy. The centuries-old Luisa winery also does a fine job. A beautiful classic Sauvignon Blanc from this winery demonstrates the richness of aromas and flavors Friuli white wines can offer. Fresh aromas of citrus, freshly mown grass, and a light hint of paprika. The palate is wonderfully crisp and crisply dry with beautiful nuances.

The red Refosco grape

White wines are plentiful here, but excellent reds are also grown in this region. Popular grape varieties include Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Refosco, and Schippettino. Generally enjoyed young, Refosco wines are very popular with locals. This grape variety produces a somewhat fuller-bodied red wine with a tart flavor. If you're curious about the characteristic flavor of this grape, try the Refosco from Alturis. The aroma is an explosion of aromas such as blackberry, blackcurrant, Black Forest cherry, and a hint of pepper. The flavor of this red wine is wonderfully full, with each sip revealing a new sensation.