Friuli Isonzo and its wines

The Friuli Isonzo (or Isonzo del Friuli) is a wine district of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, along the middle and lower course of the river Isonzo, in the province of Gorizia.
The area takes in the municipalities of Gradisca d’Isonzo, Cormòns, Romans d’Isonzo, Mariano del Friuli, Villesse and neighbouring areas.

The terroir is marked by gravelly and sandy soils (known as claps), highly free-draining, and by a a temperate microclimate thanks to the closeness of the Adriatic Sea and the shelter of the Julian Prealps. These conditions make it possible to obtain wines fresh, varietal, elegant and long-lived, among the most representative of Friulian viticulture.

What is the Friuli Isonzo wine district?

The DOC Friuli Isonzo, established in 1974, it authorises the production of:

• Friuli Isonzo DOC Bianco → blends or single-variety wines from Pinot Grigio, Friulano, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Malvasia Istriana, Riesling

• Friuli Isonzo DOC Rosso → Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Pinot Nero

• Friuli Isonzo DOC Rosato and Spumante

• Rive Alte → a sub-zone renowned for very high quality whites

Characteristics of Friuli Isonzo Wines

Colour

• Whites: Bright straw yellow with green highlights

• Reds: Lively, clear ruby red

• Rosés: Pale or cherry pink

Aromas

• Whites: Apple, pear, citrus, white flowers, herbs

• Reds: Cherry, plum, blackberry, black pepper

• Mineral: Wet stone, chalk, a saline imprint

Palate

• Fresh and Direct: Balanced acidity, excellent drinkability

• Harmonious: Medium body, elegant

• Varietal: A clear expression of the grape varieties

Typical Grape Varieties of Friuli Isonzo

White Grape

• Pinot Grigio – broad, dry, versatile

• Sauvignon Blanc – aromatic, herbaceous, mineral

• Friulano – fruity with the typical almond note

• Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana, Riesling, Pinot Bianco

Black Grape

• Merlot – soft, fruity, very widespread

• Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc – spicy and structured

• Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso – tannic, fresh, spicy

• Pinot Nero – elegant and delicate

Why choose a wine from Friuli Isonzo?

• For those looking for fresh, varietal and mineral whites

• Elegant, food-friendly reds, with excellent drinkability

• Large versatility at the table: from Adriatic fish to white meat and Friulian cured meats

• A precise, modern style, yet deeply tied to the land