Region: Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Zone:

Friuli Colli Orientali DOC(G)

In Friuli Colli Orientali (which until 2011 was called Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC), nature’s whims have created some interesting microclimates, which may be, in some experts’ opinion, the best wine zone in Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

The Friuli Colli Orientali DOC(G) zone extends from the north, along the Slovenian border in the east, to the southern mountains around Corno di Rosazzo and Buttrio, the area benefiting from the moisture of the Adriatic and the coolness of the Alps.

The name Colli Orientali has nothing to do with the Orient, rather it means “the eastern hills”, referring to the zone’s location, by Italy’s eastern border with Slovenia.

Friuli Colli Orientali DOC(G) produces almost twice as much white wine than red wine. Although the white wine is considered as one of the best in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, the red wine of certain producers can impress just as much, especially those from local grapes.

Taking into account the five subzones of Friuli Colli Orientali, namely Cialla DOC, Ribolla Gialla di Rosazzo DOC, Pignolo di Rosazzo DOC, Schioppettino di Prepotto DOC and Refosco di Faedis DOC, there are more than 30 different DOC(G) wines, most of them also being available as barrel-aged Riserva types, usually requiring 2 years of mandatory aging.

Finally, the zone has four interesting DOCG wines, namely Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG (included subzone Friuli Colli Orientali Cialla DOCG), Rosazzo DOCG, Ramandolo DOCG and Lison DOCG (shared with the Veneto region).

Read more about the wines from Friuli Colli Orientali DOC(G) by clicking i the top menu in the right side.