Friuli Colli Orientali DOC​

The Friuli Colli Orientali DOC is one of the most prestigious appellations of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, famous for producing elegant, mineral white wines, but also for long-lived, structured reds. Established in 1970, the DOC covers one of the best-suited areas of the region: the the eastern hills of the province of Udine, right on the border with Slovenia.

This area stands out for its a variety of microclimates and marl-sandstone soils (the so-called ponca o flysch), ideal for quality viticulture. The wines of the Colli Orientali combine aromatic finesse, freshness and depth, making them perfect both for drinking now and for ageing.

Production area

  • Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

  • Province: Udine

  • Main municipalities: Cividale del Friuli, Prepotto, Manzano, Corno di Rosazzo, Buttrio, Faedis, San Giovanni al Natisone

  • Altitude: hills from 100 to 400 m above sea level

  • Soils: marl and sandstone (flysch), highly free-draining

  • Climate: tempered by the Adriatic Sea, with significant temperature swings

Permitted grape varieties

Indigenous whites International whites
Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Verduzzo Friulano, Picolit Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Bianco, Müller-Thurgau
Indigenous reds International reds
Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Schioppettino, Pignolo, Tazzelenghe Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Pinot Nero

Wine styles

  • Varietal whites and blends: fresh or complex (also aged on the fine lees or in wood)

  • Reds for medium to long ageing, also aged in cask

  • Sparkling wines (Charmat method and traditional method)

  • Passito wines e late harvests (Verduzzo, Picolit)

Characteristics of the wines

Whites:

  • Floral and herbaceous aromas (sage, wild flowers)

  • White and yellow fruit (apple, peach, pear)

  • Mineral tension, great freshness and depth

Reds:

  • Red and black fruit, spices, balsamic hints

  • Considerable structure, balanced acidity, ripe tannins

  • Excellent longevity (especially Pignolo, Schioppettino, Refosco)

Food pairings

  • Steamed fish, shellfish, delicate risottos (fresh whites)

  • Friulian cheeses (Montasio, latteria)

  • Cjarsons, light game, roasts (indigenous reds)

  • Pasta with white ragùs, stews, polenta with mushrooms

Why choose a Friuli Colli Orientali DOC

One of the areas best suited in Italy for white and red wines
A strong local identity, between tradition and innovation
Unique native grape varieties and elegant interpretations of the international varieties
Excellent value value for money, including for bottles destined for ageing

Friuli Colli Orientali DOC: My personal top three

  • 1
    Schioppettino 2015 - Bressan

    Schioppettino 2015 - Bressan

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
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  • 2
    Vigneti Montebello 2016 - Il Roncal

    Vigneti Montebello 2016 - Il Roncal

    • Type: Red Wine
    • Region: Colli Orientali del Friuli, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
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  • 3
    Friulano 2022 - La Cricca

    Friulano 2022 - La Cricca

    • Type: Vino Bianco
    • Region: Craoretto, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy
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All those I have tried