Verduzzo Friulano is a white grape variety cultivated in Friuli, particularly in the province of Udine, for over a century. It was first mentioned by Acerbi in 1825 under the name “Verduz” and listed in the Ampelographic Bulletin of 1879 among the white grapes of Friuli. In 1939, Poggi referenced two types of Verduzzo: “giallo” (yellow) and “verde” (green), the latter now extinct. In 1935, Perusini identified a variant with a semi-loose cluster, called Verduzzo “raçsie”, which has since disappeared. Another unrelated variety, Verduzzo Trevigiano, has different leaf and cluster shapes, distinct origins, and lesser importance in both winemaking and cultivation compared to the Friulian variety.

Verduzzo Friulano produces small, pyramidal-shaped clusters with wings. The berries are yellow-green with juicy pulp and a mildly aromatic flavor. In the hilly area at the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli, northeast of Udine, Verduzzo Friulano thrives in its ideal microclimate. The wine produced here is known as Ramandolo, which holds the distinction of being Friuli’s first DOCG wine. In Grave and other plains, Verduzzo Friulano yields dry, aromatic wines with intense fruity notes, while in the Colli Orientali, it is primarily used for sweet wines with excellent aging potential.

The versatility of Verduzzo Friulano grapes allows for a wide range of wine styles, from dry to sweet, spanning various sugar levels. These wines are notable for their substantial alcohol content, fruity aroma, and a delicate bouquet. On the palate, they are fruity, moderately tannic, and characteristically pleasantly sweet. While simpler versions are best enjoyed young and fresh, the grapes are well-suited for late harvest. Wines produced from late-harvested grapes boast high sugar content and tannin levels, making them ideal for oak maturation. These wines develop a rich golden-yellow color and a distinctive bouquet.

When grapes are dried on racks for several months, Verduzzo Friulano is transformed into Ramandolo, a passito wine of amber hue, high alcohol content, and delightful sweetness, capable of delivering unique and memorable sensory experiences.