Friuli Venezia Giulia is one of the gems of the Italian wine landscape, renowned for the quality of its wines, especially whites, and the variety of both native and international grape varieties. This region, located in the far northeast of Italy, boasts a unique terroir that combines alpine and marine influences. Its winemaking history dates back to ancient times, and its ability to innovate while keeping traditions alive has made Friuli a benchmark in the wine world.
An Extraordinary Territory: From the Sea to the Alps
The terroir of Friuli Venezia Giulia is a complex mosaic of soils and microclimates that favor the production of high-quality wines. The hills of Collio and Colli Orientali del Friuli are among the most renowned areas, thanks to soils rich in marl and sandstone, perfect for viticulture. Here, the vineyards enjoy an ideal climate, with the Alps protecting them from cold northern winds and the Adriatic Sea moderating temperatures, allowing for a slow and complete ripening of the grapes.
Native and International Grape Varieties
Friuli is home to some of Italy's most prized native grape varieties. Among these, Friulano stands out, a symbol of the region with its delicate almond notes, and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, an intense and structured red. Verduzzo Friulano is another protagonist, known for its high-quality sweet and dessert wines.
Alongside native varieties, Friuli has successfully adopted international varieties such as Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon Blanc, which find perfect conditions here to express their best characteristics. Pinot Grigio, in particular, has become one of the best-selling Italian wines worldwide, thanks to its freshness and versatility.
Winemaking Techniques: Tradition and Innovation
Friulian viticulture is a blend of traditional techniques and modern innovations. Friulian producers, pioneers in the use of stainless steel for white wine fermentation, manage to preserve the freshness and aromaticity of the grapes, producing elegant and long-lasting wines. For more structured reds, like Refosco and Merlot, oak barrels are still used, adding complexity and softness to the wine.
Forchir: Tradition, Innovation and Sustainability
Owned by the Bianchini Family, Forchir has established itself as one of the symbolic wineries of Friuli Venezia Giulia's excellence, synonymous with quality and sustainability. Founded over 100 years ago, it cultivates its grapes following sustainable practices, using renewable energy, and reducing environmental impact without compromising wine quality. It boasts 230 hectares of vineyards located in Camino al Tagliamento (UD) and Spilinbergo (PN). In its newly built zero-impact winery, only steel is used for winemaking as a company philosophy. Production occurs without the use of sulfur dioxide, and bottling is done respecting the best wine preservation methods. The excellent wines produced are the highest representation of their grape variety and the authenticity of their territory.
Forchir Wines: Excellence in a Bottle
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On the palate, this wine is a sensory journey. Originating from an ancient grape variety, often associated with French Sauvignonasse, Friulano is a still and structured wine. Its straw yellow color is a visual invitation, while the olfactory bouquet is an amalgam of bitter almond, white wild flowers such as chamomile, hawthorn and acacia, and a touch of ripe fruit. On the palate, the wine is fresh, savory and full-bodied, with an almond finish that persists and enchants. As for pairings, Prosciutto Crudo di San Daniele dop is the perfect accompaniment. But don't stop there: this wine is equally sublime with seafood appetizers, soups, broths and white meats. Imagine enjoying it with a cold salad of boiled guinea fowl; it's an experience that goes beyond the simple act of drinking. Denomination: Friulano DOC |
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Sauvignon Blanc Soresere DOC - Forchir Sauvignon Blanc Soresere DOC by Forchir is a wine that embodies the essence of Friuli Venezia Giulia, produced through sustainable methods, this wine is a tribute to this grape variety that grows luxuriantly in the Forchir vineyards. To the eye, it presents itself with a bright straw yellow color, almost as if it were capturing the light of the summer sun. On the nose, it is a riot of fruity aromas, with notes of white peach, citrus and a hint of aromatic herbs. In the mouth, the wine is balanced, with a freshness that makes it incredibly drinkable and a medium body that makes it versatile in pairings. This wine is ideal to be enjoyed on a summer evening, perhaps in the company of fish-based dishes or fresh salads. Denomination: Sauvignon DOC |
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Pinot Grigio Lamis DOC - Forchir In the generous lands of Friuli, where the Pinot Grigio grape variety finds its ideal habitat, this extraordinary wine is born. Its color is a light straw yellow, almost imitating the golden fields from which it comes. On the nose, you perceive a pleasant lightness, a scent that evokes simplicity and harmony. In the mouth, the wine reveals itself dry and full, with a distinctly almond aftertaste that remains imprinted on the palate. The experience is completed by a harmonious finish, almost like a symphony of flavors that dance in perfect balance. This wine is ideal to accompany appetizers, first courses, fish and white meats, making every meal a special occasion. Denomination: Pinot Grigio DOC |
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Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Manin DOC - Forchir Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Manin DOC by Forchir is a wine that embodies the essence of this region. Its production follows sustainable methods, respecting the land and the environment. To the eye, the wine presents itself with an intense ruby red color, almost as if it were trying to tell a story. On the nose, you can perceive notes of ripe red fruits, spices and a slight hint of wild herbs. On the palate, the wine is structured, with soft tannins that make it incredibly balanced. Despite its youth, it shows considerable aging potential. For a complete gastronomic experience, this wine pairs beautifully with red meats, mature cheeses and traditional Italian dishes. It is the ideal companion for a romantic dinner or an evening with friends. Name: Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso DOC |
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Forchir's Merlot is a fresh and elegant red wine, produced from Merlot grapes grown in the heart of Friuli Venezia Giulia, specifically in the Friuli Grave area. The vines grow on clay soils rich in iron, which give the wine a distinctive and unique character. The harvest usually takes place at the beginning of September, with a manual selection of the grapes to ensure excellent quality. Fermentation in Ganimede fermenters, with maceration on the skins for about two weeks, preserves the freshness and aromas of the fruit. After a soft pressing, the must is refined in tanks, where malolactic fermentation and micro-oxygenation take place, helping to stabilize the color. Subsequently, the wine ages in the bottle in conditions without oxygen to preserve its vivacity and aromatic complexity. With an intense ruby red color with purple reflections, this Merlot expresses a fresh bouquet of red fruit on the nose, with notes of cherry, strawberry and blackberry, accompanied by spicy hints of black pepper, leather and coffee. On the palate, the soft and well-balanced tannins make it a pleasant and versatile wine for pairing. Forchir Merlot pairs perfectly with appetizers of cured meats and cheeses, first courses with meat sauces and roasts, offering a refined drink that enhances the best characteristics of the Friulian terroir. Name: Merlot DOC |
Conclusion
Friuli Venezia Giulia, with its unique terroir and history of innovation and tradition, is one of Italy's most fascinating wine regions. Friulian wines, a perfect balance of native and international grape varieties, captivate with their freshness, elegance, and structure. Thanks to producers like Forchir, Friuli's quality continues to grow, establishing itself more and more on the international wine scene. For those wishing to discover the authentic flavors of Friuli, Forchir wines offer a sensory journey through history, innovation, and passion for the territory.
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