Friuli Isonzo Wine Region

The distinguished sub-region of Friuli Isonzo has a wide raiment of wines known worldwide for their eminence and distinction. Friuli Isonzo’s refinement and success result from unique methods, exquisite grapes, and an ideal climate. These factors stipulate a style of wine found nowhere else in the world but this small sub-region of Italy. Friuli Isonzo, also known as Isonzo del Friuli, is in the southwest of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, Italy. This area is famous for its numerous wine-making appellations and diversity. Friuli Isonzo wine appellation itself produces red, white, rosé, sparkling, and dessert wines from a few authorized grape varieties, of course, locally produced. 

Find out the best wineries to visit in Friuli Isonzo!

Where is the Friuli Isonzo wine region located?

Friuli Isonzo wine appellation is situated in the easternmost part of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, in Italy, near the border of Slovenia and the Adriatic Sea. It stretches almost 1000 hectares, only the vineyard area, expanding in its vast area of unique landscapes. The neighbouring wine appellations of the region, surrounding Friuli Isonzo, are Carso, Collio Goriziano, Friuli Grave, Friuli Latisana, Friuli Annia, Friuli Aquileia and Lison-Pramaggiore. They all produce decent wines, making the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region one of the most famous in Italy and worldwide. 

The History of Friuli Isonzo wine region

The history of the Friuli Isonzo wine region can be traced back to ancient times, when Romans introduced viticulture to this region. According to a legend, a Roman soldier planted the first grapevine on a hillside near Trieste and named it “Friuli”, – meaning “land of vines”. Friuli Isonzo wine appellation has been an essential part of Italian culture for centuries. The Italian government has taken great care in preserving its heritage by instituting strict guidelines for winemakers. It is home to some of the best wines in Italy, including Pinot Grigio and Prosecco. Therefore, it earned appellation status and became an authorized Friuli Isonzo DOC in 1974. 

Friuli Isonzo wine region terroir

Friuli Isonzo soil is mainly alluvial but is divided into sub-soils because the river splits the land into two parts. Therefore, the soil on the left bank is mixed with red gravel, is poor in chalk and rich in clay, while the soil on the opposite side is quite chalky and bedded with white gravel. Due to the proximity to the river, the soil on both sides is pretty well-hydrated and rich in nutrients. The climate in the Friuli Isonzo wine region is Maritime, stipulated by the proximity to the Adriatic Sea. Also, the mountains surrounding the area create the right balance of occasional rainfalls, warm daytime breezes and cool night winds that regulates the temperature and helps in the ripening process. All these aspects of terroir create a highly propitious environment for growing quality grape vines and producing wines of excellence. 

Friuli Isonzo wine characteristics

Friuli Isonzo wine region uses a variety of grapes for wine production. The principal ones are: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Malvasia and Chardonnay for white wine and Merlot for red wine production; also, up to 15% of other blends are authorized. The sub-region also produces rosé wines from the respective combination of red and white grape varieties. The minimum alcohol level in still wines should be 10-11%, 12% in sparkling wines, and for Vendemmia Tardiva or late harvest, it should be at least 13%. White wine is straw-yellow with tart fruity notes, whilst red has more earthy notes and is dark ruby. Friuli Isonzo rosé has a colour of pink cherry and is crispy and refreshing.

Food to pair with Friuli Isonzo wines

Risotto primavera

Risotto primavera is a regional version of traditional Italian Risotto. It is made of special arborio or carnaroli rice, cooked in butter and vegetable stock, and enriched with sautéed veggies like asparagus, green peas, shallots, and scallions. The final touch to serve this Risotto is grated Parmesan cheese to make it even creamier and fresh basil leaves. This traditional dish goes exceptionally well with a glass of white wine, especially with Friuli Isonzo Pinot Grigio. 

Pappardelle al ragù bianco di anatra

Pappardelle al ragù bianco di anatra is an Italian pasta dish originating from Friuli-Venezia Giulia region. It is made of pappardelle or tagliatelle pasta, which are pretty alike, mixed with duck white meat, marinated in white wine, and a combination of onions, garlic, carrots, celery, thyme sautéed in olive oil with salt and pepper. This succulent dish is excellent to pair with a glass of fine white wine, such as Friuli Isonzo Sauvignon Blanc. 

La jota Triestina soup

La jota Triestina is a traditional Italian soup cooked with beans, olive oil, potatoes, fermented cabbage, cured meat like pancetta, garlic, paprika, cumin, bay leaves, salt, and pepper. This flavourful, meaty soup perfectly accompanies Friuli Isonzo dry red wine. 

Places to visit in the Friuli Isonzo wine region

Source of the Gorgazzo

The source of the Gorgazzo is an underwater cave of the Livenza River. It’s also known for its blue hue, which can be seen when diving underwater. The Gorgazzo is a major right-side tributary of the Livenza River, rising in the Carnia Alps and flowing for about to enter the Livenza. This place is also famous for its submerged statue of Jesus Christ.

Castello di Miramare

Located directly on the Gulf of Trieste, Catello di Miramare is a 19th-century castle and was once the summer residence of Napoleon III. It was built somewhere between 1856 and 1860 for Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, later Emperor Maximilian I and Empress Carlota; Carl Junker designed it. Catello di Miramare is also the name of a commune in the Province of Trieste in the Italian region Friuli-Venezia Giulia. It is a stunning, impressive, white building with special historical meaning.

Frequently Asked Questions about Friuli Isonzo wine region