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Friuli Sub-Zones

Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is divided into a constellation of DOCs across the foothills and plains of north-eastern Italy. Collio Goriziano and Colli Orientali del Friuli on the slopes make the most-cited whites; Carso (on the Slovenian border karst) brings savoury Vitovska and Malvasia; Isonzo and the lowland DOCs (Friuli Latisana, Lison-Pramaggiore) round out a serious white-wine country.

The wines of Friuli Sub-Zones are made primarily from Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and other Friuli-Venezia Giulia varieties.

-7–917 m

Elevation range

white

Wine styles

3 DOCGs

Avg. slope 10.2°

8 DOCs

Avg. slope 4.6°

Vineyard Map

Terroir

Ponca (marl-and-sandstone)LimestoneKarstAlluvial

This combination of soils contributes to the distinctive character and complexity of Friuli Sub-Zones wines.

Grapes of Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Chardonnay

Body
Sweetness
Acidity
green applelemonpearnectarine

Collio Chardonnay: mineral, structured, sometimes with skin contact for added texture.

Merlot

Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
plumblackberrystrawberrybay leaf

Widely planted red, producing softer styles than Bordeaux

Cabernet Franc

Body
Tannins
Sweetness
Acidity
strawberryraspberrybell pepperviolet

Lighter, herbaceous style used in both varietal and blended wines

Sauvignon Blanc

Body
Sweetness
Acidity
grassasparaguspassion fruitgrapefruit

Elegant, herbal Sauvignon with white flower notes. Often barrel-fermented for complexity.

Pinot Gris

Pinot Grigio in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Body
Sweetness
Acidity
lemonpeachmangobanana

Crisp, light, neutral. The classic Pinot Grigio style: clean and refreshing.

Friulano

Body
Sweetness
Acidity
white flowersalmondpearherbs

The region's signature white, formerly called Tocai Friulano

Malvasia Istriana

Body
Sweetness
Acidity
acacia blossompearwhite peachbitter almond

Salty, acacia-scented dry white of Collio, Isonzo, and the Carso

Ribolla Gialla

Body
Sweetness
Acidity
lemongreen applewhite flowersherbs

Ancient local variety, increasingly popular for orange wines

Frequently Asked Questions

What grapes grow in Friuli Sub-Zones?▼
The main grapes in Friuli Sub-Zones (Friuli-Venezia Giulia) include Chardonnay, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Sauvignon Blanc.
What soils are found in Friuli Sub-Zones?▼
Friuli Sub-Zones sits on ponca (marl-and-sandstone), limestone, karst, alluvial soils, which contribute to the distinctive character of its wines.

Imagery: Sentinel-2 cloudless by EOX IT Services GmbH (CC BY 4.0)