Friuli-Venezie Guilia

Question 1

What cultural influences shape the winemaking tradition of Friuli-Venezia Giulia?

Answer 1

The region borrows heavily from Slavic, German, and Italian cultures

Question 2

Which producer is credited with ushering in a new age of clean, modern white winemaking in Friuli in the 1960s?

Answer 2

Mario Schiopetto

Question 3

What key techniques did Friuli adapt from Germany and Austria in the 1960s?

Answer 3

Controlled cold fermentations in stainless steel

Question 4

What characterizes the “Friulian style” of white wines?

Answer 4

Crisp, aromatic, fruit-driven varietal white wines designed for quick consumption

Question 5

How has the Friulian style of winemaking evolved over the years?

Answer 5

It has been refined with non-invasive practices like gravity flow and minimized use of sulfur, though some critics argue it has become too clean and clinical

Question 6

What types of white wines are modern Friulian producers experimenting with?

Answer 6

Blended, barrel-fermented and aged, powerful, and lush wines rather than lean

Question 7

What unique approach are some Friulian producers like Josko Gravner taking in winemaking?

Answer 7

Making “orange” white wines with lengthy skin contact in ancient Slavic fashion

Question 8

What are the key international grape varieties bottled as varietal wines in Friuli?

Answer 8

Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, and Sauvignon Blanc (simply called Sauvignon in Friuli)

Question 9

Which native Friuli grapes produce sweet passito wines under DOCG zones?

Answer 9

Verduzzo Gialla (Ramandolo) and Picolit

Question 10

What are the two DOCG zones for sweet passito wines in Friuli?

Answer 10

Ramandolo DOCG and Colli Orientali del Friuli-Picolit DOCG

Question 11

What is the sole subzone of Colli Orientali del Friuli-Picolit DOCG, and what is it known for?

Answer 11

Cialla, a monopole of the Ronchi di Cialla estate, known for reviving the indigenous red grape Schioppettino

Question 12

What types of wines have earned Friuli international interest?

Answer 12

The orange wines of Gravner and Radikon, the dry and powerful white wines of producers like Miani and Livio Felluga, and Sauvignon Blanc from Venica e Venica and Ronco del Gnemiz

Question 13

Which native Friuli grape has achieved fame through Gravner’s amphorae treatments?

Answer 13

Ribolla Gialla

Question 14

What is Malvasia Istriana known for in Friuli?

Answer 14

Its consistent quality as an aromatic white wine

Question 15

What is Friulano, and what are its key characteristics?

Answer 15

Friulano, formerly known as Tocai Friulano or Tai, is Friuli’s trademark white variety, known for its fleshy, almond- and mineral-tinged profile

Question 16

What is the core grape in the Rosazzo DOCG blend, and where else is it produced?

Answer 16

Friulano, also produced as a varietal wine in Lison DOCG, a region that crosses the Veneto border in western Friuli

Question 17

Which iconic wine inspired the Rosazzo DOCG appellation?

Answer 17

Felluga’s “Terre Alte.”

Question 18

Which red grape is significantly planted in Friuli and often receives acclaim despite the region’s focus on white wines?

Answer 18

Merlot

Question 19

How are Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon used in Friuli winemaking?

Answer 19

They may be blended with or vinified separately from Merlot, producing wines with lighter, fragrant, herbal flavors

Question 20

What are the most noteworthy indigenous red grapes in Friuli?

Answer 20

Refosco, Schioppettino, Terrano, and Pignolo

Question 21

Which of Friuli’s indigenous red grapes is most planted but shows the least promise?

Answer 21

Refosco, typically producing light, fruity reds

Question 22

What are the common types of Refosco found in Friuli?

Answer 22

Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Refosco di Faedis

Question 23

Which rare indigenous red grapes in Friuli produce wines with more density, spice, and ageworthiness?

Answer 23

Schioppettino and Pignolo

Question 24

What is Terrano, and how is it related to Friulian Refosco?

Answer 24

Terrano, originating in Carso/Kras, is related to and often confused with Friulian Refosco. It is also known as Refosco d’Istria or Refosk

Question 25

What are the characteristics of Terrano when produced well?

Answer 25

Fruity and meaty, with firm tannins and lively acidity, offering unexpected value

Question 26

Which two DOC zones in Friuli are considered the most relevant and quality-minded?

Answer 26

Collio DOC (Collio Goriziano) and Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC.

Question 27

Which DOC zone in Friuli is the most prolific?

Answer 27

Grave del Friuli DOC

Question 28

How many geographic DOCs does Friuli have, and what do they produce?

Answer 28

Eleven geographic DOCs produce varietally labeled red and white wines

Question 29

What is the twelfth DOC appellation in Friuli, and what region does it extend into?

Answer 29

Veneto’s Prosecco DOC, which extends into Friuli

Question 30

Where does Friuli rank among Italy’s regions in the percentage of DOC wine production?

Answer 30

Third, behind Trentino-Alto Adige and Piedmont