Craoretto and its wines

Craoretto is a small winegrowing area located in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in the province of Udine, and is one of the most authentic expressions of Friulian hillside viticulture.
The area falls within the appellations Friuli Colli Orientali DOC e Friuli-Venezia Giulia IGT, and is characterised by marl soils (ponca), modest altitudes and strong ventilation, which allow the production of elegant, mineral, long-lived wines.

Craoretto's vineyards rise on one of the hillside belts best suited to vines on the border with Slovenia, and are home to varieties both native (such as Friulano, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Schioppettino) both international varieties (such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Merlot e Cabernet Franc), interpreted with stylistic precision and craft attention to detail.

What is the Craoretto wine district?

Craoretto is not an appellation in its own right, but a a highly suitable micro-zone included in the:

• DOC Friuli Colli Orientali → For quality white and red wines from local and international grape varieties.

• IGT Venezia Giulia → Used by some producers for experiments and personal interpretations.

It is known for its a calling for fresh, mineral white wines, but also for reds subtle, spicy and long-lived, thanks to the an Alpine-Mediterranean microclimate and to the low yield per hectare.

Characteristics of Craoretto Wines

Colour

• Whites: Straw yellow with greenish highlights.

• Reds: Clear ruby red, sometimes with purple nuances.

Aromas

• Fruity: Apple, peach and apricot in the whites; cherry, blackberry and plum in the reds.

• Floral: White flowers in the whites; violet and dried flowers in the reds.

• Spicy and Mineral: Notes of sage, wet stone, black pepper and leather in the aged reds.

Palate

• Fresh and Savoury: In the whites, with great aromatic purity.

• Fine and Structured: In the reds, with integrated tannins and an excellent finish.

• Elegant and Long-lived: In the selection wines or those aged in wood.

Typical Grape Varieties of Craoretto

White Grape

• Friulano: Taut, with an almond finish.

• Ribolla Gialla: Delicate, citrusy, versatile.

• Sauvignon Blanc: Fresh, aromatic, vertical.

• Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay: Often vinified as a single variety with a modern approach.

Black Grape

• Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso: Full-bodied, spicy, with sustained acidity.

• Schioppettino: Elegant, perfumed, with black pepper to the fore.

• Merlot, Cabernet Franc: International varieties adapted to the area with surprising results.

Why choose a wine from Craoretto?

A wine from Craoretto is perfect for anyone who loves the nuances of the Friulian hills, with a profile fine, precise and rooted in its land, suited to pairings with San Daniele ham, frico, fresh or aged cheeses, lagoon fish dishes and white meat.
The reds also lend themselves to spicy dishes, roasts and light game.