Friuli-Venezia Giulia Wine

From the Alpine foothills to the Adriatic coast, Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s vineyards reflect a meeting of mountain and sea. The region’s climate is shaped by cool breezes from the Julian Alps and warm maritime air from the Gulf of Trieste, creating ideal conditions for crisp, aromatic whites and structured reds. Most of Friuli’s vineyards lie in the southern half of the region, concentrated in the major zones of Collio, Colli Orientali, Isonzo, and Carso, with smaller appellations extending west toward Pordenone on the alluvial plains.

Most of Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s vineyards are located in the southern half of the region, where the Alps meet the Adriatic. The area’s mix of cool Alpine air, warm maritime breezes, and mineral-rich soils produces some of Italy’s most refined white wines and distinctive reds. The main sub-regions include Collio, Colli Orientali, Isonzo, and Carso in the south and east, with smaller appellations extending west toward Pordenone.

Bordering Slovenia, Collio is one of Italy’s premier white wine zones. The hilly terrain and ponca marl soils produce elegant, structured wines with depth and minerality.

Key Grapes: Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay.

Style: Textured, aromatic whites with aging potential; limited but fine red production.

Located east of Udine, Colli Orientali mirrors Collio’s terroir but has slightly more variation in elevation and exposure. It is home to both renowned whites and structured reds, as well as two DOCGs.

Key Grapes: Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Verduzzo, Refosco, Schioppettino, Merlot.

DOCGs:

Ramandolo DOCG – Sweet, golden wines from Verduzzo Friulano.

Rosazzo DOCG – Complex Friulano-based whites with floral and almond notes.

Style: Rich and aromatic whites; earthy, elegant reds.

Situated along the Isonzo River, near Gorizia, this area features gravelly alluvial soils and a mild maritime influence.

• Key Grapes: Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc.
• Style: Concentrated, expressive whites and reds with structure and freshness.

Located near Trieste on the limestone plateau known as the Karst, this small area experiences strong Adriatic winds and thin, stony soils.

Key Grapes: Vitovska, Malvasia Istriana, Terrano.

Style: Mineral-driven whites and earthy, high-acid reds that reflect the rocky terrain.

Around Pordenone and Udine, vineyards stretch across flat, alluvial plains with gravelly and sandy soils. These areas produce lighter, fruit-driven wines, often in higher volumes than the southern sub-regions.

Friuli Grave DOC – The largest DOC, known for approachable Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Merlot.

Aquileia DOC – Coastal plains with slightly more structure; produces both whites and reds.

Varietal Composition: Unlike other Friuli appellations that require 100% of a single grape, these allow blends (85–90% varietal minimums).

Style: More red wine than elsewhere in Friuli, with Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon leading; whites include Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Friulano, and Verduzzo in still, frizzante, and spumante styles.

A cross-regional appellation spanning Friuli’s western border with Veneto.

Key Grape: Friulano (also called Tai).

Style: Balanced, medium-bodied whites with almond and floral notes.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia’s southern and eastern hills—Collio, Colli Orientali, Isonzo, and Carso—produce the region’s most elegant and mineral-driven wines, while the central and western plains around Pordenone yield lighter, approachable styles. Together, they showcase the full range of Friuli’s winemaking: from crisp whites and aromatic blends to refined reds shaped by Alpine freshness and Adriatic influence.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is especially famous for its white grapes, which thrive in the region’s cool, Alpine-Adriatic climate. Native varieties sit alongside international grapes, often vinified with precision and elegance.

White Grapes

An ancient local variety, producing high-acid wines with citrus and floral notes. Often used in both crisp whites and traditional orange wines made with skin contact.

Found in Carso and Collio, producing aromatic, mineral-driven whites with Mediterranean character.

A native grape of the Carso plateau, yielding fresh, saline wines that reflect limestone soils.

Pinot Grigio – Friuli is one of Italy’s benchmarks for this grape, producing both fresh, light wines and richer styles.

Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp, aromatic wines with citrus, gooseberry, and mineral notes.

Chardonnay – Widely planted, often blended or used in varietal bottlings.

Black (Red) Grapes

A native variety producing medium-bodied reds with red fruit, pepper, and spice. Increasingly appreciated for its uniqueness.

Grown in Carso, producing fresh, high-acid reds with earthy, mineral character.

A rare native grape, yielding structured, tannic reds that can age well.

Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon are widely planted, often used in blends with local grapes.

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is best known for its crisp, precise white wines, but it also produces distinctive reds, innovative orange wines, and sweet specialties. The combination of Alpine air, Adriatic breezes, and varied soils creates wines with freshness, elegance, and complexity.

White Wines

Medium-bodied whites with almond, floral, and herbal notes, showing both freshness and structure.

High-acid, citrusy whites, often floral and mineral-driven, increasingly used in orange wine production.

Aromatic, saline whites with Mediterranean character, common in Carso and Collio.

International varieties that Friuli has elevated to benchmark quality, producing crisp, balanced wines.

Red Wines

Dark, structured reds with blackberry, plum, and herbal character, known for lively acidity.

Medium-bodied, spicy reds with red fruit and peppery notes.

Earthy, high-acid reds from Carso, reflecting limestone soils.

Rare, structured reds with strong tannins and long aging potential.

Widely planted, producing international-style reds and blends.

Orange Wines

Friuli is a leader in Italy’s orange wine movement, particularly with Ribolla Gialla. These are white wines fermented on their skins, giving amber color, tannic grip, and complex flavors of dried fruit, tea, and spice.

Sweet Wines