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: 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.

1. • Ripening
2. • Vigourousness (and best sites)
3. • Resistance
4. • Flavour
5. • 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 → SST, temp control, cultured yeast, pneumatic presses
2. Orange wine, extended maceration followed by extended maturation in large oak, 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 (70’s), hillier terrain - single-variety wines

Grave del Friuli DOC - volume wine

Friuli Isonzo DOC

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

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