The Denominations of Origin for the wines of Friuli-Venezia Giulia currently include four DOCGs, twelve DOCs, and three IGTs.
Lison DOCG is a denomination entirely dedicated to wines from the Tocai Friulano grape variety and is shared with Veneto.
The wine region of Colli Orientali del Friuli is located further northwest, in the province of Udine. Here, one of Italy’s most sought-after and famous dessert wines is produced, the Picolit, which is the star of the second regional DOCG, Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG.
Another dessert wine is made from the grapes of the Verduzzo Friulano variety, both dried and late harvest. This wine is dedicated to the Ramandolo DOCG denomination, located further north, near the municipality of Nimis.
In the Colli Orientali del Friuli, white wines are predominantly produced, particularly with grapes from the Tocai Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay varieties, all included in the third Friulian DOCG, Rosazzo DOCG. The Friuli Colli Orientali DOC denomination, with its five subzones, includes all the white and red wines from this important wine region.
The Collio is situated in the eastern part of the region, in the province of Gorizia, and is particularly famous for its production of white wines. Tocai Friulano and Ribolla Gialla are the most important grape varieties grown in this area, alongside international varieties like Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. With these grapes, both varietal wines and interesting blends are produced, allowing for a harmonious fusion of the characteristics of the different grape varieties. The Collio also produces red wines, particularly from Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. All these wines are included in the Collio or Collio Goriziano DOC denomination.
The Grave area, which extends from the province of Udine westward to that of Pordenone, is encompassed within the Friuli Grave DOC denomination, the largest in the region. Its name derives from the soil, rich in stones and gravel, suitable for producing excellent wines. It represents over two-thirds of the regional wine production. The wines from the Grave generally have less complexity compared to those from the Collio or Colli Orientali del Friuli, but the average quality level of the wines from this denomination is among the highest in Italy. In the Grave, white wines are produced from Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Tocai Friulano grapes, while the production of red wines is predominantly based on the grapes from international varieties Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, and from the native Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso variety.
In the southern part of the region, flat and facing the Adriatic Sea, are the DOC Annia and DOC Latisana, where predominantly white wines are produced that directly reflect the maritime climate. Also significant is the Friuli Isonzo DOC denomination, which produces wines reminiscent of those from the Collio and is located south of that area. The wines, predominantly white, are made from Tocai Friulano, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc grapes. The red wines are produced with Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes.
