Italian Wine from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia Region

For many people, Italian wine evokes visions of wicker-clad bottles of Chianti purchased to compliment a lasagna, spaghetti, or pizza dinner. For others, Italian wine may mean a Lambrusco, Asti or Prosecco. Yet, tucked away in the northernmost part of Italy lies the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia which produces such varied Italian wine that they can be enjoyed regardless if you're dining Italian tonight.

Situated in the northeast corner of Italy, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region rests in the foothills of the Alps bordering Slovenia (the former Yugoslavia) to the east and Austria to the north. It is not the tourist attraction that some of the other areas of Italy enjoy, but with its attitude for the gastronomic world of la cucina italiana, serene beauty and small town characteristics, it should be. The Italian wine produced and their culinary delights alone, would make a trip here well worth the effort.

Although this region produces smaller yields of wine than the other Italian wine regions, quality prevails. Of the 20 Italian wine regions, the borderlands of Friuli has experienced a more varied culinary influence than most. Such diversity would naturally reflect in their taste of wine. Austrian, Croatian, Hungarian and Slovenian cuisine have left their mark on Friuli. Uncomplicated, hearty dishes prevail. Hungarian goulash, bean soups and stuffed cabbage rolls are common. Pork from this region is world renown, producing top-grade sausage, hams, bacon and of course, Prosciutto. The southern Adriatic ports of this region add a variety of fish and seafood into the mix. This wide spectrum of cuisine-styles encouraged more diversity in wine production than that of the other Italian wine regions. The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is one of the few Italian wine regions that has had major success in the production of decent white Italian wine.

The Italian wine of the region were regarded primarily for fruity-style whites, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio. The region was hardly a competitor in the red Italian wine market. In modern times, the production of red Italian wine was dominated by the growers of the Piedmont and Tuscany regions. This left Friuli only their white vines to nurture if they were to compete in the Italian wine market. This worked well for them as an increased interest in white wine of a few decades past put Friuli on the Italian wine map. Recent demands returned to red wine and prompted a region-wide effort toward refining the production of that variety. These endeavors were rewarded as an increase of their market share in red Italian wine has been achieved over the past few decades. Friuli now offers some very respectable varietals of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Nero.

With more time and perfection of current methods, it is quite possible that in the short future, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region will be a major player in the Italian wine game. It is not to say that they will overtake the better known Italian wine regions, it's guaranteed that they will be a formidable contender.

Friuli Recommended Reds: Merlot Colli Orientali del Friuli, Cabernet Franc Colli Orientali del Friuli, or Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Calli del Friuli.

Friuli Recommended Whites: Pinot Grigio Colli Orientali del Friuli, Tocai Friulano Colli Oriental del Friuli, Verduzzo Friulano Colli Orientali del Friuli or Sauvignon Collio.

Cheese Choice: The Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is also home to Montasio, a cheese similar to Asiago but closer to Swiss in flavor. Created by Benedictine monks, this cheese has been produced in the Alpine valleys since the 1200's and is a perfect accompaniment to any of the Italian wine from the Friuli region. Perfect with the Sauvignon Collio.

Whether you are new to Italian wine or an experienced pro, the Italian wine from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region is sure to please. From a hearty pot roast dinner to seafood and even your next backyard barbecue, the wine from this region will perform as the perfect accompaniment when selecting an Italian wine.