Friuli

Friuli (from Forum lulii) is the territory assigned by Julius Caesar to his soldiers to plant vines. It was also the first line of defence against the numerous invasions from the East. Later settlements by Byzantines, Venetians and Habsburgs, caused a significant number of grape varieties planted in the region early on.

It was not until the 1960s that the region’s distinctive wines received recognition more widely, but today Friuli is considered one of Italy’s prestigious winemaking regions – especially for white wines.

The most important vineyards are found in the hills along the border with Slovenia, home to the DOC appellation of Friuli Colli Orientali, in the province of Udine. On the foothills of the south-facing slopes of the Alps, they enjoy the most direct sunlight, alternating with cool night-time breezes from the Adriatic Sea.