16.2 - North East Italy: Friuli

Question 1

What proportion of production in Friuli is white?

Answer 1

75%

Question 2

Describe the growing environment

Answer 2

High rainfall (1300mm)

Plains - warming influence of Adriatic, alluvial soil

Low Hills - further north, altitude (200m), more influence from mountains, poorer soils of calcareous marl and sandstone (ponca)

Question 3

Outline reasons for differences in quality between plains and low hills (4)

Answer 3

1. Temp - warmer plain means grape ripen faster –> higher yields, less concentration
2. Soils - fertile soils on plains –> higher yields, less concentration
3. Topography - plains enable machine working
4. Grape varieties - use of high yields grapes e.g. Pinot Grigio and Merlot on plains

Question 4

What kinds of grapes are grown in Friuli?

Answer 4

Local varieties e.g. Ribolla Gialla, Refosco

Austria/Middle Europe e.g. Riesling, Muller-Thuragu, Blaufrankisch

French varieties e.g. Merlot, Chardonnay

Question 5

What are the top six most planted grapes in Friuli?

Answer 5

Question 6

Compare the characteristics of Friulano and Ribolla Gialla in terms of flavour, structure and winemaking.

Also, mention any grape variety characteristics.

Answer 6

Flavours: Med(-) apple and floral (Friulano), citrus and pepper (Ribolla)

Structure: Med (+) acid, med-high alcohol (Friulano), high acid (Ribolla)

Winemaking: SST or some oak and can age (Friulano), huge range including sparkling, off-dry, extended skin-contact (Ribolla)

Also:

Friulano: disease resistant

Ribolla: vigorous (so usually grown on hillsides), prone to shot berries

Question 7

Describe the characteristics of Refosco incl.

• Ripening
• Vigourousness (and best sites)
• Resistance
• Flavour
• Structure

Answer 7

• Late-ripening
• Vigorous –> best sites on hills with poorer soil
• Resistance to BBR
• Red cherry, herbal
• High tannins –> barrel maturation

Question 8

What styles of winemaking is Friuli best known for?

Answer 8

1. Clean, unoaked white wines made using SST, temp control, cultured yeast, pneumatic presses
2. Orange wine made with extended maceration (anywhere from 8 days to 8 months) followed by extended maturation in large oak e.g. Radikon, often made with organic grapes and minimal intervention
   - Style: dried fruit, dried herbs, hay, nuts; medium tannin, premium price

Question 9

Outline the key DOC/DOCGs in Friuli

Answer 9

Collio and Collio Orientali DOC - restricted yields (77), hillier terrain - single-variety Friulian, Ribolla, Sauvignon Blanc, Chard + others

Grave del Friuli DOC - volume wine

Friuli Isonzo DOC - better quality from riverbank of Isonzo

Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG - sweet wines from air-dried Picolit grapes

Friuli DOC - new DOC across region, high yields (98)

Question 10

Outline reasons behind the increase in exports by value between 2013-18 (3)

ID three threats to continued growth.

Answer 10

55% growth in five years

1. Strong reputation for quality
2. Increased demand for PG and Prosecco
3. Better promotion of red varieties esp. Refosco

Threats

1. Cheap PG being produced in Italy
2. Emerging quality areas like Trentino-AA
3. Cheap wine from Eastern Europe