Friuli - Venezia Giulia Flashcards
What percentage of production in Friuli is white?
75%
Where is the Friuli region in Italy
North east
Describe the climate and growing conditions in the south of Friuli on the flat plains
Warm maritime climate
Close to the Adriatic
Warm air from the Adriatic meets cool air from the Alps
What is the average annual rainfall for Friuli?
1,200mm - high rainfall
What affect does rainfall have on the Friuli region?
High rainfall leads to high humidity
Disease pressure is high
Organic viticulture can be a challenge
Describe the types of soils found on the flat plains in the south of Friuli.
How does this affect the types of wines made from these areas?
Fertile alluvial soils with rocky deposits
Everyday easy drinking wines
From high yielding vines
What grape varieties are commonly found growing on the plains in the south of the Friuli region?
Merlot and Pinot Grigio
Name the two most important DOCs found in the plains of southern Friuli
Grave del Friuli DOC (mostly volume wines)
Friuli Isonzo DOC (best quality from sites on the right bank of the river Isonzo neighbouring Collio)
Name the two important hillside DOCs in Friuli, producing quality fruit.
Collio DOC
Collio Orientali del Friuli DOC
What types of soils can be found in Collio DOC and Collio Orientali del Friuli DOC?
Calcareous marl
Sandstone
Compacted marl is known as Ponca and has excellent drainage
Soils are more free draining in the hills than on the plain
What is the altitude in Collio DOC and Collio Orientali del Friuli DOC?
200m
In Collio DOC and Collio Orientali del Friuli DOC, what factors contribute to lower yields and higher quality?
A range of slopes
Exposure to wind - cooling effect
What is the main grape variety grown in Friuli, and what percentage of vineyard area is planted to it?
Pinot Grigio - 25%
Name the four local white varieties commonly grown in Friuli
Ribolla Gialla
Malvasia di Istria
Verduzzo
Picolit
Name the four local black varieties commonly grown in Friuli
Refosco
Schiopettino
Pignolo
Tazzalenghe
Which five black and white varieties, commonly found in Austria and Middle Europe, are also planted in Friuli?
Riesling Welschriesling (Riesling Italico) Gewurztraminer Muller Thurgau Blaufrankisch
Which nine French varieties are commonly planted in Friuli? (5 red, 4 white)
Merlot Cabernet Franc Cabernet Sauvignon Pinot Noir Carmenere
Friulano (Sauvignonasse)
Chardonnay
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Blanc
Give a typical tasting note for a Friulano wine
Medium (-) intensity Floral and apple flavours Medium (+) acidity Medium to high alcohol Good to very good Mid priced to premium
Best wines can age
Can be made in a fresh or lightly oaked style
Give the key characteristics of the Ribolla Gialla vine
White grape Vigorous Prone to shot berries Only grown in Collio and Collio Orientali as it needs hillsides to prevent vigorous growth Many range of styles produced
Give a typical tasting note for a Ribolla Gialla wine
Citrus and pepper notes
High acidity
Give the key characteristics of the Refosco vine
Small berries Late ripening Botrytis resistant Vigorous Best grown on low fertility soils
Give a typical tasting note for a Refosco wine
Red cherry and herbal aromas
High tannins
Can benefit from time in oak
What is the name of the sub region in Collio that is well regarded for making orange wines?
Oslavia
Describe the typical process for making an orange wine
Long maceration on skins (8 days to 8 months) Long ageing (2 to 6 years in large format barrels)
Give a tasting note for a premium orange wine from Friuli
Amber / orange / gold in colour
Citrus rind, marzipan and honey
Muted varietal character
Medium tannin
Name three winemakers who are pioneers of the orange wine movement in Friuli
Josko Gravner
Dario Princi
Stanko Radikon
Producers making orange wines usually share a commitment to which principles?
Organic methods Long macerations on skins No fermentation temperature control Long maturation in large format oak Minimum / no fining and/or filtration Low or no added SO2
What is the maximum yield for Collio DOC?
77hl/ha
What are the principle four white varieties found in Collio DOC and Collio Orientali del Friuli DOC?
Friulano
Ribolla Gialla
Sauvignon Blanc
Chardonnay
Are wines from Collio DOC and Collio Orientali del Friuli DOC more likely to be single varietal or blends?
Single varietals
The varietal can be appended to the name e.g. Collio Orientali del Friuli Sauvignon Blanc DOC
Name the two Friuli DOCGs for sweet wines
Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG
Ramandolo DOCG
Both use air dried grapes
What is the maximum yield for Friuli DOC?
98hl/ha
What are the two main growers associations for high quality wines in Friuli?
Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio
Consorzio Vini Friuli Colli Orientali e Ramandolo
