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The best white wines of Friuli
Friuli Venezia Giulia is a region whose geographical conditions, soils and climate make it highly suited to the production of red wines, and above all whites. These geographical characteristics, together with the local people’s dedication, have created the conditions for quality viticulture, which has made Friulian white wines among the most loved in Italy, as well as earning them a solid reputation abroad. Wine production has always been a fundamental part of the region’s economy, with vines first planted here in ancient times. The history and frontier culture of this beautiful Italian region are also expressed in its wines, so much so that the white grapes most widely grown here include both native and international varieties. These form the basis for Friuli’s most characteristic native white wines: Ribolla Gialla, Vitovska, Malvasia, Malvasia Istriana, and Friulano, while among the international varieties we find Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Chardonnay.
Major designations and areas of Friulian white wines
Among the region’s most important designations is Colli Orientali del Friuli, in the province of Udine, where both the sweet Picolit DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) and another dessert wine, Ramandolo DOCG, are produced from Verduzzo Friulano. In the five subzones of the Friuli Colli Orientali designation, which have proved to be capable of producing generous, complex wines, the most important of these come from Friulano (once called Tocai Friulano), Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. In Friuli Grave DOC, the region’s largest DOC zone, the wines are very elegant, and generally more approachable than in other designations. The region’s whites are often produced as monovarietals, a characteristic which is greatly appreciated by those who prefer some varieties to others.
Pairings with Friulian white wines
Friulian white wines lend themselves to various pairings, especially with light dishes based on meat or fish, where they become the protagonist of the meal. Friulano white wine, with a straw-yellow colour, delicate aromas of aromatic herbs and mineral hints, and a tangy, fresh palate, lends itself to a variety of pairings. Excellent as an aperitif, it can be sipped while nibbling on shellfish canapés, raw fish or cured meats. With good structure on the palate, Friulano can also accompany fish-based pasta, rice and main courses, such as sea bass in a spicy broth. Vitovska boasts a beautifully bright hue, sometimes veering towards gold if barrel aged, with an intense nose of flint, peach, and wild flowers, over a fresh palate with almond notes on the finish. Precisely because of its marked freshness, this is a wine that boasts a certain potential for bottle ageing, and goes very well with sushi, vegetarian dishes and white meats.
More harmonious flavours and aromas
Among the most typical native varieties of Friuli, we should not forget Malvasia Istriana, an aromatic variety showing good intensity, which offers a nose of citrus and sweet spice, and a fresh, fragrant palate. It can be enjoyed with grilled fish, sautéed mushrooms and vegetable cream soups, even with asparagus. Among Friuli’s whites based on international varieties, the most elegant and characterful are undoubtedly Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. The former, often displaying a bright, golden hue, boasts an intense nose of spice and peach, with a subtle, elegant palate, while the Sauvignon stands out for its freshness on the palate and citrus aromas. Both can be appreciated with dishes of some complexity, such as a terrine of smoked salmon or tench marinated with herbs. Lastly, Pinot Grigio, with its typical floral and pear aromas, good acidity in the mouth and elegance, is excellent with cured meats, chicken salads and fresh cheeses.