Friuli Flashcards
Where is Friuli located?
Northeast Italy along the borders with Slovenia and Austria.
Venezia Giulia, the area with which Friuli shares government administration, is the area on the east of the Adriatic around Trieste. Friuli is the rest of the province.
What is the focus of wine production in Friuli?
White varietal wines.
White wines make up 75% of regional production.
What is the geography of Friuli? How does this affect the climate?
It includes flat plains in the south along the coast. To the north are low rolling hills with less Adriatic influence and stronger cooling influences.
How much annual rainfall does Friuli experience? How does this affect viticulture?
1,200 mm
Extra work is needed in the vineyard to prevent disease. Organic viticulture is difficult to achieve.
Friuli can be divided into two regions for winemaking style and quality. What are they?
The plains where high yields and lower quality wines can be found.
The hills, a source for better quality wines.
What types of wines are produced in the plains of Friuli? What are the most important denominations?
Primarily everyday Pinot Grigio and Merlot based wines.
Grave del Friuli DOC (volume wines) and Friuli Isonzo DOC (better quality sites from the Isonzo river, near Collio) are the most significant denominations
Where do the higher quality wines of Friuli come from? What type of soil is found there?
Hillside sites towards the north of the region, specifically Collio DOC and Colli Orientali del Friuli DOCG.
Calcareous marl and sandstone, as well as ponca, a compacted marl with excellent drainage
What is the altitude of high quality vineyards in Friuli? How does this affect the grape quality there?
Altitude in the hills of Friuli is only 200 m ASL, so it plays little role. The soils, slopes, and exposure to cool winds reduce yields and increase quality.
What is Ponca?
A compacted marl soil common to the hills of Friuli. It has excellent drainage and contains some marine fossils from an ancient seabed.
What are the six most planted varieties in Friuli?
Pinot Grigio Merlot Friulano Chardonnay Sauvignon Blanc Cabernet Franc
What variety comprises 25% of total vineyard area in Friuli?
Pinot Grigio
Describe the history of the name Friulano.
The grape was formerly named Tocai Friulano in Friuli, but the name was changed when Tokaj was established as an EU recognized IP. The name was changed to Friulano, though it is also known as Sauvignonasse and Sauvignon Vert.
Why is Friulano successful in Friuli?
It is disease resistant, which is important in a region that receives 1,200 mm of rainfall per year.
What types of wines are made with Friulano in Friuli? What is their typical quality and pricing?
Dry white wines made in stainless steel or lightly oaked, the best of which can age.
They are usually good to very good and mid to premium priced.
Where is Ribolla Gialla grown in Friuli? Why?
In hillside sites, specifically Collio and Colli Orientali. It is a vigorous variety and the hillsides discourage vigor.
