Friuli Flashcards
What style of wine is Friuli principally known for?
Hugh quality white wine - accounts for 75% of production
What is the climate in Friuli?
Flat plains are warm maritime - warm air from the Adriatic Sea meets cool air from the alps
What is the average rainfall in Friuli?
1200mm
Lots of issues with humidity requiring extra work in the vineyard and making organic viticulture a challenge
How can everyday and higher quality wines be distinguished?
Everyday - grown on flat plains with rocky alluvial soils
Quality - grown in the low hills with calcareous marl soils. Relatively low altitude (200m) but slopes and wine exposure give lower yields/higher quality
What is the most planted white grape in Friuli?
Pinot Grigio - 25% of total vineyard
Friuli is noted for the wide range of local and international grape varieties grown here. Name a few …
Local - Friulano Malvasia di Istria, Verduzzo, Picolit (white) Refosco, Pignolo (red)
Austrian/German influenced - Riesling, Gewürztraminer, muller Thurgau, blaufrankisch
French - Merlot, cab Sauv, Chardonnay, Sauv B, cab franc, Pinot noir
What are the main characteristics of Friuliano?
Also known as Sauvignon Vert
Good disease resistance - important for region with 1200mm of rain
Floral and apple aromas
Best examples have capacity to age
Who introduced Friuli’s particular style of clean, mainly unoaked white wines?
Mario Schiopetto - drew on German expertise such as stainless steel vessels, temperature control, cultured yeasts and pneumatic pressing
Which are the two most important DOCs?
Collio - became part of Italy in 1914. Max yield 77hl/ha. Currently becoming a DOCG
Collio Orientali del Friuli
Have similar characteristics, mainly divided by politics/history as right on the border with Austria and Slovenia
What is Friuli’s main source of competition at the lower end of the market?
Inexpensive Pinot Grigio from Italy and Eastern Europe where production costs can be lower
