Friuli Venezia Giulia Wine Region Guide

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an area in northeastern Italy and one of five areas with special provisions. Trieste is the capital, which can be found on the north coast of the Gulf of Trieste, and the Adriatic Sea. It used to be hyphenated as Friuli-Venezia Giulia until 2001. The region is also referred to as Frioul Vignesie Julie in Friulian, Furlanija Julijska Krajina in Slovene, and Friaul Julisch Venetian in German. Three languages are spoken in the region. Despite its name, the city of Venice does not exist in this region. However, it is still a magnificent place to visit and enjoy amazing wines.

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Where is Friuli Venezia Giulia Wine Region?

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is the northernmost region in Italy. This region is 7,858 km2 in size and is the fifth smallest region in the country. It borders Austria to the north and Slovenia to the east. To the south, it faces the Adriatic Sea, and to the west, the Veneto region.

Europe's heartland, for many countries in Central Europe, is a focal point. This region is traversed by major transport routes between the East and West of Southern Europe. Friuli-Venezia Giulia is an area with plenty of history and traditions. It comprises a large part of the territory historically known as 'Friuli', as well as the small part that was historically called 'Venezia Giulia'.

History of Friuli Venezia Giulia Wine Region

Historically, the region that is now Friuli Venezia Giulia was part of Italy, but it belonged to the Venetian state. The traces of its Roman origin are visible everywhere.

The settlements by the Lombards in the 6th century quickly caused changes to happen between Friuli and Venezia Giulia, which historically had followed similar routes. In 568, Cividale del Friuli became the first capital of Lombard Italy. In 774, the Franks carried out a number of holy sites and sought to expand the church at Aquileia. Cividale was founded as a border town, while they were under the control of Aquileia and the Holy Roman Emperor. The temporary rule of the Patriarchate extended to areas to the east in 1077. Already since the 12th century, Gorizia had been independent and Trieste, together with other coastal towns in the area, had evolved into free city-states.

Many people might not know, but the Alpine Slavs- the ancestors of the Slovenian people predated the 5th century and colonized areas near modern-day Slovenia. They first settled in the mountainous Easternmost areas of Friulian-speaking Friuli, Polish-speaking Friuli, and Slovenian-speaking Friuli. These are still known as Friulian Slavia and Kras Plateau to the north/south of Gorizia, located in what is now the province of Trieste. For much of the 12th and 13th centuries, it was part of Friuli and was an important centre for international trade.

The Terroir and Geography of Friuli Venezia Giulia

The region spans many different climates and landscapes, as well to do the time zone. In the south, there is an Oceanic climate where it is mild year-round while in the north, it's Alpine continental with a wider range of temperatures. The total land area is subdivided into 42.5% mountainous areas - mostly to the south-east - 19.3% hilly, and 38.2% continental plains with the coastline in the west.

The Central Plains usually have poor soil that is arid and permeable. With proper irrigation and modern farming techniques, the soil in this part of the region has become fertile. Most agricultural activity happens here. The coastal area in this region can be split into two, namely the western and eastern subsections separated by the Isonzo Delta.

There are various climates in Friuli Venezia Giulia, with some being more temperate than others. The terrain varies a lot from area to area. Located on the north side of the Alps mountain range, these areas are mostly unaffected by Eastern and Western air masses. Along the coast, the climate is mild and pleasant, but in inland areas, it is wetter because of the influence of southerly winds from the Adriatic Sea.

Popular Grape Varieties from Friuli Venezia Giulia

Friuli-Venezia Giulia has a huge selection of grape varieties which includes international varieties like Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, as well as local types such as Refosco dal peduncle Rosso. One of the best-known wines from Friuli is the Friulano. Wine from this region tends to be crisp, and floral and develops a taste of nuts, fennel and other regional flavours as it continues to age. The grape Tocai Friulano was widely known as the grape Tocai Friulano but in 2006 it was renamed Friulano so that it wouldn't be confused with the Hungarian Tokaji.

Verduzzo is another indigenous grape from the region, popular for its crisp, lively wines. Picolit is one of the best-known Papuan specialities.

However, many of the vineyards regions are planting grape varieties that are not traditionally Italian like Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, and Pinot Bianco. Along with Pinot Grigio, these wines make up the majority of white wines in this area.

Red wines are produced from international grape varieties such as Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Sparkling wines, widely made through the Charmat method, have started to be produced alongside still wines. The region is also responsible for a large quantity of Prosecco.

Food to Pair with Friuli Venezia Giulia Wine

Frico

Frico is a dish from Carnia, an Italian region. It's made with the famous Alto-Adige Montasio cheese. There are two choices: the crunchy frico friable and the more traditional soft frico morbid where you mix cheese with potatoes and onion to create a succulent pancake that is baked or deep-fried.

Frico is very popular in Italy and it was originally invented to use up cheese. Frico is a tasty and nourishing dish that can be found throughout the country. Many variations exist for this traditional dish so you can have your own. Some people like it with bacon, mushrooms or tomatoes.

The flavor of this dish also changes significantly depending on the type of cheese used in its preparation. Frico made with 'fresco' and mezzano won't be as intense as the one prepared with stagionato or stravecchio.

The dish is best served hot. The cheese should still be melted and stringy while you eat it. You can serve the dish as a garnish with soups or stews, or even enjoy it as part of an appetizer plate with polenta and a glass of red wine.

Cjarsons

Cjarsons is an Italian dish that originated from Friuli. It resembles a type of ravioli and can be cooked in traditional or oven-baked ways. Cjarsons are often served with white sauces, brown butter sauces, walnut sauce or carpione. The past is made from potatoes, but the dish itself has more in common with gnocchi than spaghetti. The ingredients you'll find inside can range from wild herbs, ricotta cheese, raisins, and spices such as cocoa and cinnamon.

Carjarson should have a flavour that is either sweet or savoury. Every family has their own recipe passed on from generation to generation. Krska is what you'll usually see on locals' tables at this time of year. As for the recipe, it's a keeper, reserved only for the head of families here. However, once the quarts are boiled in plenty of water and topped with butter.

Gnocchi di prugne

Gnocchi di prugne is a traditionally Italian dish: dumplings made from mashed potatoes and filled with plums. These yummy pillows are then covered in a sugary-buttery coating to create the iconic taste combination of fruit, sugar and butter. They're very popular in the Italian region of Friuli Venezia Giulia, especially in its capital city, Trieste.

There are many dishes originating in Venice that can be found across Europe because Venice was once ruled by the Austro-Hungarian Empire, so it's no wonder this dish has also made its way around to other European countries.

It's interesting that gnocchi made with figs is considered a dessert in most places, but in Italy, they're often served at the beginning of a meal. At restaurants, you can usually find them listed under Primi Piatti, next to other traditional dishes.

Places to Visit in Friuli Venezia Giulia Region

Trieste

Trieste is the capital city of Friuli Venezia Giulia and is located in northeast Italy. Trieste is a port city situated on the Adriatic coast. It's made up of granite and limestone, dominating the Karst Plateau. Ljubljana has both medieval and modern urban elements. The Austro-Hungarian Empire influenced and shaped the city in 1867, giving it a neoclassical Austrian quarter.

Udine

Udine is the capital of the Italian region Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Udine Castle has many museums and art galleries that are worth visiting. One example is the Tiepolo and Caravaggio Gallery. The views of the city and surrounding mountains are pretty great. The central Piazza della Libertà is surrounded by beautiful Renaissance-era buildings, including the Loggia del Lionello and the clock tower. Udine Cathedral is known for its baroque architecture and museum of religious art.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Friuli Venezia Giulia