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Exploring Friuli Venezia Giulia: Land of Tradition and Breathtaking Landscapes

Rich Traditions and Breathtaking Landscapes The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is a place of profound and memorable experiences, a combination of age-old traditions and spectacular landscapes. This borderland, which has experienced the lure of world wars, stretches from the Alps to the Adriatic, creating a mix of colours, sensations and scents that tell a centuries-old story. One cannot speak of the wines of Friuli without immersing oneself in the beauty and uniqueness of this region. With wine production representing 4% of Italy's total, Friuli is renowned for its high quality white wines, exported and appreciated all over the world.

Geographical Diversity and Quality Viticulture

With a surface area of 7924 km², Friuli Venezia Giulia is the fourth smallest region in Italy, but its impact is extraordinary. Bordering Austria to the north, Slovenia to the east, Veneto to the west and the Adriatic Sea to the south, this middle land has embraced the influences of Slavic, Italian and Austrian cultures. Autochthonous varieties such as Ribolla Gialla and Schioppettino combine with great international grapes such as Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet to create unique wines. In an area where mountains cover more than 42% of the territory, the landscape is dominated by the glaciers and mountain ranges of the Julian and Carnic Alps, etched over millennia by the force of the weather.

The Karst: Lunar Landscapes and Wines of Character

The Karst area in the province of Gorizia is one of the jewels of Friuli. The rocky and fascinating landscape is shaped by underground rivers and majestic caves. The white stone and red earth create a unique colour scenery. Teran, the 'Blood of Karst', is found here, an intense red with powerful tannins. Among the whites, the delicate Malvasia Istriana and the fine Vitovska stand out.

The Collio: Expressions of Excellence

Collio, an area that also extends into Slovenia, is famous for its expressive wine production. Ribolla Gialla reigns supreme in this land of ancient marly rocks and stratified clays, known as 'ponka'. This mineral-rich soil lends character to the wines, including the famous Collio Bianco DOC. International grapes such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon produce reds of great quality.

Colli Orientali: Land of Varieties and Passiti

To the east of Udine lie the Colli Orientali, a representative area of Friuli. This is where the renowned Ramandolo DOCG raisin wine is produced, made from Verduzzo, accompanied by the precious Picolit. This area boasts whites such as Chardonnay and Sauvignon, as well as Bordeaux-style reds. Among the local reds, Schioppettino, Tazzalenghe and Refosco dal Penducolo Rosso stand out, contributing to the rich Colli Orientali DOC specification.

Grave: Bordeaux terroir in Friuli

The Grave area, between Pordenone and Udine, has a pebbly soil reminiscent of the Bordolese. This environment is ideal for growing grapes such as Merlot and Cabernet Franc.

Discover Friuli wines on xtraWine

Explore the selection of Friuli wines on xtraWine and enjoy special offers. Our online catalogue will guide you through a wide range of labels, each with a unique soul and authentic flavour. Be inspired by the descriptions edited by our team and choose the perfect wines for your special moments. Choose Friuli Venezia Giulia and treat yourself to unparalleled food and wine experiences!