Friuli Venezia Giulia Flashcards
Where is Friuli Venezia Giulia located?
This small autonomous region is in northeast Italy, wedged between Austria (to the north), Slovenia (to the east) and the rest of the Italian peninsula making it a nexus of Italian, German and Slavic cultures.
Topographically, it is situated between the Alps (to the north) and the Adriatic Sea (to the south).
The confluence of diverse peoples and traditions has shaped the Friuli of today, as well as its wines.
Why is Friuli Venezia Giulia considered the birthplace of modern Italian white winemaking?
In the late 1960s, a small group of inspired producers began crafting clean, fresh and fruity white wines - a monumental shift from the tired, oxidized versions that had been largely produced prior.
What is at the base of Friuli’s success?
A focus on single-varietal wines from both native varieties and international grapes that have been acclimatizing and/or thriving in this part of Italy since the 1800s.
What influences contribute to Friuli’s ability to make wines of aromatic purity and clean varietal expression coupled with depth, complexity and structure?
1) a wide range of distinctive grapes
2) high quality standards
3) open experimentation
4) a combination of modern and traditional winemaking practices
5) a remarkable terroir graced with a particularly suitable climate and soil
Name the best districts for Italian white wines in Friuli whose bottlings regularly receive the highest scores by the most important Italian wine critics.
1) Collio
2) Friuli Colli Orientali
3) Friuli Isonzo
Name the 2 historically renowned sweet wines produced in Friuli.
1) Picolit
2) Ramandolo
Both wines are regaining the tremendous prestige they held in centuries past.
The name Friuli Venezia Giulia is composed of 2 parts. What is the significance of this?
The region is composed of Friuli and Venezia Giulia. Until 2001 the region was called Friuli -Venezia Giuli. The hyphen was used to highlight the difference between Friuli and Venezia Giulia - 2 historic regions with different languages, cultures and traditions.
Note: the hypen continues to be a debated subject and several sources still write the name of the region using the hyphen. Both are considered correct.
Where does Friuli get its name from?
Its from the latin for “Forum Iulii” the modern day city of Cividale del Friuli, founded by Julius Caesar in 50 BC.
Where does Venezia Giulia get its name from?
The name “Venezia Giulia” was introduced in 1863 by the Kingdom of Italy to identify the part of eastern Friuli under Austrian rule at the time but historically considered Italian territory.
Venezia Giulia combined the name of the ancient Roman province covering northeast Italy and Slovenia, “Venetia et Histria,” and the Julian Alps, the Alpine mountain ranges named after Julius Caesar.
How long have vines been grown in Friuli?
Since well before the Romans arrived in the 2nd century BC.
When the Roman city of Aquileia was founded in 181BC, the region became an important center of wine production, supplying both the northeastern peninsula as well as Rome itself.
According to Pliny the Elder, which local wine of Friuli was preferred by Livia Augusta, wife of Augustus Caesar?
Pucinum
This varietal has been linked to one of the native, red Refosco varieties, however this remains difficult to prove.
Why is Friuli Venezia Giulia considered geographically important?
Due to its position on the Adriatic Sea and its proximity to the Alps. Its position, where northern and eastern Europe joins the Italian peninsula, has made it an important crossroad.
How did Friuli fair under the rule of the Roman Empire?
Friuli flourished.
Aquileia became the fourth-largest Roman city on the peninsula and the center of trade to all points north.
What contributed to the deterioration of Friuli’s position and strength?
It began with the decline of the Roman Empire.
Attila the Hun leveled the city of Aquileia in 452 AD.
After the collapse of the Western Roman Empire, Friuli was successively invaded and dominated by the Byzantines, the Lombards, and the Franks (under Charlemagne).
It eventually became part of the Holy Roman Empire.
When did parts of Friuli regain independence?
In 1077, the western and central part of the region was granted independence by the Holy Roman Emperor, thanks to the loyalty to the Emperor.
It then became the important and influential Patriarchate of Aquileia (a political-religious entity administered by a Bishop). The Patriarchate was incorporated into the Venezia Republic in 1420.
What happened to the eastern part of Friuli, historically?
The modern-day provinces of Gorizia and Trieste remained under the control of the Holy Romany Empire, but Austria gradually acquired the territory through partial annexations until it acquired the entire eastern portion of Friuli.
In 1797, Venezia officially ceded the rest (the western and central portions) of Friuli to the Austrian Empire.
How did Friuli fair under the Austrians?
Friuli prospered; wine production increased and much wine was shipped north to the Austrian Empire.
In 1891, Gorizia hosted the 4th Austrian Oentological Congress where the Empire’s leading winegrowing experts gathered to discuss phylloxera and other viticultural issues.
When did Friuli become a part of the Kingdom of Italy?
The western and central portion of Friuli became part of the Kingdom of Italy in 1866.
The eastern part, referred to as Venezia Giulia since the 1860s, remained under Austria’s control until the end of WWI. In 1919 it was joined to the Kingdom of Italy.
When was the Rauscedo grapevine nursery established?
Between the 1920s and 1930s, in Friuli’s Pordenone province. Within a few short decades, it quickly became one of Italy’s most successful grapevine nurseries.
Today, Rauscado is the largest grapevine nursery in the world and is internationally recognized for the reliability and quality of its stock. It produces more than 60 million grafted vine plants annually.
How did WWI and WWII affect Friuli?
They wreaked havoc and destruction on this region and interrupted the development of its wine industry.
On the road to recovery, Friuli Venezia Giulia was officially given autonomy in 1963, just as the region’s white wine revolution was about to begin.
What is the Tre Venezie or Triveneto?
It is the historic and geographic area that corresponds to the whole of northeast Italy and its 3 administrative regions:
1) Veneto
2) Trentino-Alto Adige
3) Friuli Venezia Giulia
What is peculiar about Friuli vineyard plantings that is due to Friuli and Slovenia once being united under the Austrian Empire?
Some Friulian vineyards lie across the border in Slovenia. These vineyards are included within the wine appellations of Friuli.
The region of Friuli Venezia Giulia is administratively divided into which 4 provinces?
1) Pordenone
2) Udine
3) Gorizia
4) Trieste (Capital of the region)
Friuli can be divided into what 4 principal topographical belts or divisions?
These belts run parallel to each other west to east but are stacked from north to south:
1) The Alps & Prealps
2) The Eastern Hills
3) The Central Alluvial Plain
4) The Lower Coastal Plain
Where is the Alps & Prealps division located?
The east-west arcing mountainous area separates Friuli from Austria in the north and Slovenia to the east.
There are 2 main mountain ranges:
1) the Carnic Alps (west)
2) the Julian Alps (east)
Vine growing is not possible here due to the harsh Alpine climate.
The Prealps form a lower altitude mountain range running parallel to the Alps.
Overall, Alps and Prealps account for 42% of the entire territory.
Where is the Eastern Hills division located?
The narrow band of hills on the east side of the region runs from Tarcento to Gorizia.
The best vineyard sites and appellations are situated here.
Where is the Central Alluvial Plain division located?
This large and fertile plain occupies most of the central part of the region.
Where is the Lower Coastal Plains division located?
This plain faces the lagoons of Marano and Grado. Beyond the lagoons lies the Adriatic Sea. The southeastern section of the coast, known as Carso, is a stretch of high and rocky cliffs overlooking the Gulf of Trieste.
What are the topographical features in Friuli that influence the climate?
Friuli’s position between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea makes it subject to an interplay between cool Alpine air from the north and warmer Adriatic Sea breezes blowing inland from the south. The Alps protect the region from the cold northerly winds, while the moderating influence of the sea reduces the impact of what would otherwise be a continental climate.
Because Friuli is small, these influences mingle to deliver a mild, temperate climate overall.
What is the weather like in Friuli?
Substantial annual rainfall; precipitation levels range from 35in/900mm on the coast to 55-60in/1,400-1,500mm where the plains meet the Prealps.
A cold winter wind from the east called the Bora hits the region with force (particularly the Gulf of Trieste) often exceeding a speed of 90mi/150km per hour.
Air movement is continuous as Alpine air masses and inland sea breezes vie for dominance, resulting in and interplay that reduces overall humidity and mitigates summer heat allowing for the slow and even maturation of fruit. The grapes are able to maintain acidity and develop complex aromas.
Name the most important rivers descending from the Alps to empty into the Adriatic Sea.
From west to east:
1) Livenza
2) Tagliamento
3) Isonzo
4) Natisone
Thanks to these rivers, the region has an abundance of water.
Name the 3 important soil types that correspond to specific areas within Friuli.
1) Sand, clay and gravel: found in the alluvial plains and represents deposits left by retreating glaciers and flooding rivers. These plains are sub-divided into:
-the high central plain: extremely permeable due to a high gravel/stone content
-the low coastal plain: more fertile and less well-drained, due to a higher content of clay
2) Sandstone and calcareous marls (alternating layers): found in the eastern hills of Friuli. These soils are well-drained, friable, poor and very suitable for quality viticulture. Technically referred to as Flysch of Cormons (a village in eastern Friuli), but locally known as ponca soils. These soils were formed 35-55 million years ago when the area was covered by seawater. Over time, slow sedimentation produced the distinctive alternating layers of marl and sandstone.
3) Limestone plateau: in the southeastern corner of Friuli, between the Adriatic Sea and Slovenia, lies a narrow strip of limestone plateau known as the Carso. On top of this limestone sub-soil is a very thin layer of iron-rich sand and clay.
What percentage of Friuli are mountains, plains or hills?
-42% mountains
-38% plains
-20% hills
What variety type accounts for the majority of plantings in Friuli?
White varieties account for more than 70% of the total vineyard area.
Red varieties, though accounting for less than 30%, are increasing in importance and plantings are on the rise.
How ancient are the origins of the indigenous grape varieties grown in Friuli?
They trace back to at least the 12th and 13th centuries.
Several of these grapes have a strong connection to a very specific and limited winegrowing area. Most are not grown anywhere else in Italy.
While the majority of the indigenous varieties are white, native reds are becoming increasingly important to top producers who are working enthusiastically to exploit their high potential.
Which international varieties have deep roots in Friuli?
-Pinot Grigio
-Pinot Bianco
-Chardonnay
-Sauvignon Blanc
-Merlot
-Cabernet Franc
All introduced in the 1800s before phylloxera arrived. After phylloxera, they took precedence over the local grapes because they were easier to grow. Today, the represent some of the finest wines produced in Friuli.
Which varieties grown in Friuli are of Germanic origin?
-Riesling
-Welschriesling
-Blaufrankisch
Introduced in the 15th century while Friuli was under Austrian rule. Today, although playing a minor role, they contribute to Friuli’s vineyard diversity.
Which varieties grown in the eastern part of Friuli that are also found in Slovenia and Croatia?
-Vitovska
-Terrano
-Malvasia Istriana
These varieties are considered native to both Friuli and the Slavic countries.
Name the native and traditional white grapes of Friuli.
1) Friulano (Tocai Friulano)
2) Ribolla Gialla
3) Malvasia Istriana
4) Picolit
5) Verduzzo Friulano
6) Vitovska
Others:
-Glera
-Glera Lung
-Manzoni Bianco
Where is the Friulano grape native to?
Historically, it was considered to be native to Friuli. Its presence has been documented since the 12th century.
In the 1990s, DNA studies proved the grape to be identical to Sauvignasse (a variety native to the Gironde).
Friulano is now considered to be the “traditional” white grape of Friuli.
Which is the third-most widely planted variety?
Friulano, representing more than 8% of the total area under vine.
How has Friulano been vinified in the past?
As an everyday wine, serving as the “house wine” of the local trattorie.
Quality-conscious producers have now given Friulano more serious focus and are making high-quality dry white wines.
What are the characteristics of Friulano wines?
Light- to medium-bodied with subtle aromas of grass, white flowers and green apple. It often has an herbal or almond accent with hints of stone fruit.
The best examples usually have a dense texture.
What food pairs well with Friulano?
Pairs perfectly with the famous locally produced Prosciutto di San Daniele.
Wines made from Friulano used to be labeled as Tocai Friulano. When did this change and why?
In 2007, the word “Tocai” was removed after the EU accepted the request of Hungary’s Tokaji producers seeking to protect their name.
The grape is still officially recorded in the Italian National Grape Registry as Tocai Fruilano, but the word Tocai can no longer appear on labels.
In Veneto, Friulano (grape & wine) are now called Tai or Tai Bianco.
How long has Ribolla Gialla been grown in Friuli?
This ancient variety has been grown in the eastern hills of Friuli on the Slovenian border since (at least) the 13th century.
Where is the traditional home of the Ribolla Gialla varietal?
The area of Collio, around the town of Oslavia.
How widely planted is Ribolla Gialla in Friulia?
As one of the region’s most distinctive wines, it represents 2% of vineyard land.
Previously, the grape was widely planted but fell out of favour after phylloxera. In the 1990s, it accounted for less than 1% of Friuli’s DOC production. This changed thanks to the efforts of producers with high respect for the native grapes.
What are the characteristics of wines made from Ribolla Gialla?
The wines are light- to medium-bodied and high in acidity with delicate aromas of flowers, citrus, apple and honey. This flavour profile is combined with mineral, spice and nutty-waxy notes.
Ribolla Gialla is very versatile, producing light, crisp and unoaked bottlings as well as more complex structured wines aged in wood.
How were wines made from Ribolla Gialla traditionally made?
The grape was fermented on its skins and aged, producing wines with a strong phenolic and oxidative character. This style is still produced today.
How long has Malvasia Istriana been growing in Friuli?
It has been documented since the 13th century. Although, the name suggests that the grape originated in Istria, the northwestern Croatian peninsula once belonging to Italy.
What style of wine is produced from Malvasia Istriana?
Malvasia Istriana is a member of the Malvasia group and produces some of Italy’s finest examples of dry Malvasia, particularly when grown in the eastern hills of Friuli or along the Carso plateau. Here, it is able to express more fragrance, higher alcohol levels and longer aging potential because of the terroir, meso-climate and careful attention of producers.
What are the characteristics of Malvasia Istriana wines?
It shows a nose of fresh stone fruit, honey and spice. The palate offers minerality and crisp acidity.
How is Malvasia Istriana labeled?
Malvasia
How long has the Picolit variety been cultivated in Friuli?
This ancient variety has been grown here since Roman times. The area surrounding the town of Rosazzo is believed to be the vine’s place of origin.
What style of wine has Picolit produced since Roman times?
Sweet wines of historic renown.
What issues does the Picolit variety present in the vineyard?
Picolit is highly prone to grape shatter leaving sparse bunches with fewer and smaller (but sweeter) berries. This results in very tiny yields. The vine performs best in hillside vineyards.
What are the characteristics of wines produced from Picolit?
The sweet wines are elegant and complex with typical aromas of flowers (orange blossom, acacia), honey, stone fruit, dried fruit and hay.
What does the name Picolit refer to?
Either:
-the variety’s tendency to produce small yields
-the small size of its berries
How ancient is the Verduzzo Friulano grape?
This ancient grape is of uncertain origin, but its cultivation in Friuli dates back at least to 1409 when Verduzzo Friulano wines were included in the list of wines served to Pope Gregory XII.
What are the 2 sub-varieties of Verduzzo Friulano?
1) Verduzzo Giallo (yellow)
-considered the better quality variety
-grown on hillside vineyards
-produces distinctive sweet wines.
2) Verduzzo Verde (green)
-largely grown on the flat plains
-principally used to produce dry or off-dry simple white wines
How do the characteristics of the wines produced from both sub-varieties of Verduzzo Friulano compare?
Verduzzo Giallo (yellow):
-rich aromas and flavours
-honey
-stone fruit
-tropical fruit
-almond and nuts.
-sweet
Verduzzo Verde (green):
-floral
-almond
-citrus
-finishes on a bitter note
-dry to off-dry
Where is the Vitovska variety native to?
It is generally considered to be a native variety of both eastern Friuli and Slovenia, as it was historically only cultivated in Carso (in the province of Trieste) and in Slovenia.
Although, this variety is of clear Slavic origin.
What happened to Vitovska during the 20th century?
It almost disappeared, but was saved from extinction in the 1980s by Carso producers such as Kante and Zidarich.
What are the characteristics of wines produced from Vitovska?
High-quality wines that are fresh and delicate with aromas of white flowers, pear, hay, sage and almond. It demonstrates lightly honey and balsamic notes, crisp acidity and a pronounced minerality.
What are the Native and Traditional red grapes of Friuli?
1) Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
2) Pignolo
3) Schioppettino
4) Tazzelenghe
5) Terrano
Others:
-Refosco Nostrano (Refosco di Faedis)
What is significant about the Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso grape?
It is an ancient grape, regarded as the finest of the large Refosco group of varieties.
It is considered the traditional red grape of Friuli.
Where is the Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso variety native to?
The Carso area; however it is widely grown throughout the entire region.
What does “dal Peduncolo Rosso” mean?
“From the red stem” because the stalk of the Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso varietal becomes red when the grapes are ripe.
What are the characteristics of wines produced from Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso?
Deep in colour with aromas of red flowers, dark fruit (plum, blackberry), almond, herbs, forest floor and spice.
It is medium- to full-bodied and high in both tannins and acidity.
What styles of wine are produced from Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso?
2 main styles:
1) light, fruity, and unoaked with vibrant acidity and
2) bold, ripe and structured
How does oak aging contribute to the wines of Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso?
Oak aging helps smooth the tannic and angular character of Refosco.
Care must be taken not to overpower the wine with too much wood.
Which French variety was Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso previously mistaken to be associated with?
The French Mondeuse Noire. DNA profiling has revealed the two to be unrelated.
It is instead related to Marzemino.
How long has the Pignolo variety been documented?
This high quality grape has been in documented cultivation since the 17th century.
What is the story behind the Pignolo variety?
It almost became extinct in the second half of the 20th century. In the late 1970s, only a few ungrafted vines remained. These survivors were planted against a lone wall of the ancient Abbey of Rosazzo. Cuttings were taken from those vines and used to propagate and replant this grape variety.
Today, plantings remain small but interest in this grape is growing.
What are the characteristics of Pignolo wines?
Deep in colour with aromas of berry fruit, plums, spices and herbs. It is dense and full-bodied, with good acidity and ample, but smooth tannins. Its powerful structure makes it well-suited for barrel aging.
As a rule, Pignolo needs a few years of bottle age to soften and develop further complexity.
Where does the Pignolo name come from?
From the Italian word pigna (pine cone) because of the compact shape and small size of the grape cluster. It actually looks like a pine cone!
What is another name for the Schioppettino grape?
Ribolla Nera
How ancient is the Schioppettino variety?
This native variety has been in documented cultivation since the 13th century.
What is the history of the Schioppettino grape?
It is not a particularly easy grape to grow and this trait almost resulted in its demise, post-phylloxera.
Schioppettino was rescued in the 1970s by the Mayor of Prepotto and the Rapuzzi family in Cialla.
Today, plantings are increasing as top producers have recognized the great potential of this variety.
What are the characteristics of Schioppettino wines?
Deeply coloured with intense aromas of flowers and black fruit atop a spicy-peppery core. They are powerful, dense and structured with high acidity and tannins.
How does Schioppettino age?
It can age well. Over time, it develops a silky complexity complemented by notes of forest floor, smoke and tar.
What does “schioppettino” mean?
“Crackling,” and it is believed to reference either:
-the crunchy berries that crackle in the mouth or
-the re-fermentation that made the wine slightly sparkling.
Where are plantings of Tazzelenghe found in Friuli?
Plantings are tiny and are mainly located in the hills of Colli Orientali around Buttrio, Manzano and Cividale.
What does Tazzelenghe mean?
In local dialect, it means “tongue cutter,” referencing the wine’s high acidity and tannin.
What are the characteristics of Tazzelenghe wines?
Deep purple in colour and aromas of violet, black fruit, forest floor and tar. The wines are very acidic and tannic. This structure allows the wines to age well and indeed, bottle age is necessary to smooth out its rough edges.
Which variety was the Terrano grape previously confused with?
Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso; recent studies have proven that, although related, Terrano is a distinct variety.
Where is the historic winegrowing area of the Terrano grape?
It lies in the rocky, limestone plateau of Carso (shared between Italy and Slovenia).
Most of this grape is planted here and this is where the best examples are made and where the grape shines.
What are the characteristics of Terrano wines?
Purple-ruby in colour with aromas of flowers and black fruit. They are medium- to full-bodied, tannic, mineral and high in acidity.
Name the international white grapes found in Friuli.
1) Pinot Grigio
2) Sauvignon Blanc
3) Chardonnay
4) Pinot Bianco
Others:
-Riesling
-Gewurztraminer (locally called Traminer Aromatico)
-Muller Thurgau
-Welschriesling (Riesling Italico)
Which varietal is the most widely planted grape in Friuli?
Pinot Grigio
What styles of wine are produced from Pinot Grigio in Friuli?
The grape is largely produced in a simple, easy-drinking and refreshing style.
But, more serious versions similar to Alsatian Pinot Gris are also made (particularly in the eastern hills). These high quality Pinot Grigios show the full potential of the variety; the wines are expressive, rich, round and full-bodied with floral and nutty aromas.
What is Sauvignon Blanc called in Friuli?
Sauvignon
Where are some of Italy’s most successful versions of Sauvignon Blanc produced?
In the eastern hills where they are racy, clean and demonstrate a lovely purity of fruit that ranges from citrus to grassy to peachy-tropical. The wines usually display a distinctive depth of flavour, richness and texture while maintaining finesse and elegance.
When did Chardonnay bottlings begin to appear in Friuli?
In the 1960s.
What styles of wine are produced from Chardonnay in Friuli?
A range of styles from
-refreshing, fruity, mineral unoaked versions to
-lightly oaked and spicy
The best examples are produced in a creamy, mineral style.
It is often a major component of superior white blends known as “super-whites.”
When was Pinot Bianco brought to northeastern Italy and by who?
By the Austrians in the first half of the 1800s.
The grape was widely planted but lost ground to Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay in the 1990s.
What are the characteristics of Pinot Bianco wines in Friuli?
Crisp, light, fruity and slightly nutty.
Where would you find some of the best Pinot Bianco wines in Friuli?
The hills of eastern Friuli.
Name the international red grapes grown in Friuli.
1) Merlot
2) Cabernet Franc
3) Cabernet Sauvignon
Others:
-Pinot Nero
-Carmenere
-Malbec
-Blaufrankisch (locally called Franconia)
Which is the second-most widely planted grape variety in Friuli?
Merlot
When was the Merlot grape introduced to Friuli?
In the second half of the 1800s and it has adapted well to the region’s gravelly plains.
Today, Friuli is one of Italy’s major production areas for Merlot.
What styles of wine are produced from Merlot in Friuli?
The great majority is bottled in a soft, fruity and easy-drinking style.
Some producers focus on high-quality examples that are dense, rich, complex and concentrated.
Both styles can be produced as single varietal or blended usually with Cabernet Franc.
Of the 3 red Bordeaux varieties grown in Friuli, which one performs the best?
Merlot
When was Cabernet Franc introduced to Fruili?
In the second half of the 1800s.
Today, it is one of the most widely planted red grapes in Friuli.
What styles of wine are produced from Cabernet Franc in Friuli?
It usually produces a light and fragrant style with red fruit aromas, earthy notes and an herbaceous edge.
It is made as a single varietal, but when blended, is often partnered with Merlot.
What varietals may be included in a wine labeled as Cabernet in Friuli?
Including (and/or):
-Cabernet Franc
-Cabernet Sauvignon
-Carmenere
How well does Cabernet Sauvignon do in Friuli?
It is less successful and less widely planted than Merlot and Cabernet Franc because is has trouble fully ripening in Friuli’s temperate climate. However the effects of climate change have eased that difficulty in recent years.
What styles of wine are produced from Cabernet Sauvignon in Friuli?
The majority of bottlings are produced in a light and straight-forward style with a noticeable herbaceous character.
Top examples can be divided into:
-smoky, restrained Bordeaux styles
-those that are richer, riper and more powerful versions, hinting of the New World.
Rank the varieties grown in Friuli from most widely planted to least.
1) Pinot Grigio (21%)
2) Merlot (15%)
3) Friulano (8%)
4) Chardonnay (7%)
5) Sauvignon (7%)
6) Cabernet Franc (6%)
7) Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso (4%)
8) Cabernet Sauvignon (3%)
Others (29%)
What vine training systems are used in the plains of Friuli?
Sylvoz and Casarsa are the dominant systems used in the plains.
With the acception of Friuli Isonzo DOC; although flat, this growing area mostly trains its vines in Cappuccina and Guyot.
What vine training systems are used in the eastern hills of Friuli?
Cappuccina (a variant of Guyot) and Guyot are the main training systems.
A few producers have also re-introduced the Alberello for grapes such as Ribolla Gialla and Vitovska.
Who is Mario Schiopetto and what is his contribution to winemaking in Friuli?
Schiopetto, a Collio producer in the late 1960s, set the standards for modern white winemaking in Italy. (followed by other producers such as Livio Felluga) Influenced by the winemaking practices of Germany, he:
-introduced temperature controlled fermentation
-stainless steel
-refrigerator units
-pneumatic presses
-sterile bottling
Schiopetto took every precaution to avoid oxygen contact with wine.
How was white wine production reshaped in Friuli within the vineyards?
-Introduction of higher planting densities
-Harvest parameters that aim for optimal ripeness
What style of wine was produced from the technical approach introduced during the white wine revolution?
Fresh, clean and aromatic bottlings with expressive varietal character.
MLF was avoided and no oak regimen was employed.
Which cellars in Friuli are recognized for being among the most modern and technologically advanced wineries in Italy?
-Collio
-Colli Orientali del Friuli
What grape varieties were used to produce the new white wine style?
Mostly international grapes, in particular:
-Pinot Bianco
-Pinot Grigio
-Sauvignon
-Chardonnay
-Tocai Friulano
-Malvasia Istriana
What influences help Friuli produce concentrated wines with an extra layer of richness?
-Advances in the cellars
-Better vineyard management
-Temperate climate
When was the “Fruili style” of white wine imitated?
As of the 1990s, “Friuli style” was adopted by other Italian white wine regions hoping to challenge Friuli’’s success.
