Friuli-Venezia Giulia is located in the very north east of Italy and shares borders with Austria and Slovenia. It is one of Italy’s top wine regions, especially renowned for its white grapes, producing elegant, crisp and aromatic wines due to the cool Alpine influences and proximity to the Adriatic Sea. On our Slovenia and Friuli tour, we visit two wineries in Friuli in the Collio Hills. The first is Primosic, a family business spanning five generations, with a particular allegiance to the Ribolla Gialla grape variety. The second, Bjana, is technically just over the Slovene border in the area known as Goriška Brda, and specialises in award-winning, traditional method sparkling wines.
Key White Grapes from Friuli
Friulano – The region’s signature white, offering floral, almond, and citrus notes with a mineral backbone
Picolit – Deep straw-coloured wine, with notes of wild flowers, ripe fruit and beeswax
Ribolla Gialla – Light, zesty, and fresh with high acidity and citrus flavours
Malvasia Istriana – Aromatic, floral, and slightly salty due to the coastal influence
Pinot Grigio – Often richer and more complex than typical Italian Pinot Grigios, with flavours of pear, apple and honey
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay – International varieties that thrive in the different soils and microclimates of the region
Key Red Grapes from Friuli
Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso – Dark, structured, and spicy with black fruit flavors and earthy notes
Schioppettino – Known for its peppery, berry flavours with good acidity
Pignolo – Rare, full-bodied and tannic with dark fruit and herbal notes
Merlot & Cabernet Sauvignon – International varieties that thrive in the region, often blended with native grapes
Top Wine Denominations in Friuli
Collio – The hills near Slovenia, famous for high-quality white wines
Colli Orientali del Friuli – Known for structured whites and age-worthy reds from the hills between Gorizia and Udine
Grave del Friuli – A large area in the provinces of Udine and Pordenone with gravelly soils, producing fresh, approachable wines
Carso – A limestone-rich area near Trieste, known for unique, mineral-driven whites and reds
Wine Tip
Look out too for Orange Wines which are becoming increasingly popular in this part of Italy. Orange wines are the product of vinifying white grapes the way red wine is normally made, ie after the grapes are pressed the juice is fermented still in contact with skins. Some wines can be very light in colour but some almost orange or amber in hue. The flavour is perhaps an acquired taste as the wines can be dry and slightly bitter, but they pair well with intense, spicy and bold-tasting dishes.
