Friuli Venezia Giulia

Why Friuli's reds are the surprise of a region known for whites

Friuli-Venezia Giulia is almost always associated with great whites, but among the hills of the Colli Orientali and the Karst plateau lies a heritage of native red grapes among Italy's rarest, offering very different styles from one another and often unfamiliar even to seasoned Italian wine lovers.

Colli Orientali and Carso: the territories of Friuli's reds

In the Colli Orientali del Friuli, on the border with Slovenia, some of the region's most identity-defining red grapes are grown: Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, deep in colour with lively acidity, Schioppettino, grown almost exclusively in the Prepotto area, where it has its own dedicated sub-zone, Pignolo, rare and with great ageing potential, and Tazzelenghe, whose dialect name hints at its sharp tannin. On the Carso plateau, between Trieste and Gorizia, Terrano, a clonal selection of Refosco, grows on iron-rich red soils, giving wines with pronounced acidity and an almost austere character.

From fresh Refosco to ageing Pignolo: the styles of Friuli's reds

Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso generally offers a fresh, fruity profile with lively acidity, made for relatively young consumption. Schioppettino adds a distinctive spicy, peppery note, while Pignolo, thanks to firm tannin, needs years to show at its best and lends itself to extended ageing. Carso's Terrano, more austere and mineral, stands out for particularly pronounced acidity, making it recognisable among the region's other reds.

At the table with Friuli's reds: pairings that work

Refosco naturally accompanies Friulian cured meats, especially San Daniele ham, and flavourful first courses. Schioppettino pairs well with spiced white meats and light game dishes. The more structured Pignolo requires important red meats or very aged cheeses. Carso's Terrano, finally, finds its ideal pairing in jota, the area's typical bean and sauerkraut soup.

Which Friuli red to choose, depending on the occasion

For an everyday meal, a Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso remains the most natural, versatile choice. For an occasion calling for a touch of originality, Schioppettino di Prepotto offers a spicy profile hard to find elsewhere. Anyone seeking an ageing red, able to surprise even a knowledgeable wine lover, will find their discovery in Pignolo, while those who love more austere wines can look to Carso's Terrano.

Frequently asked questions

What is Schioppettino di Prepotto?

It's a native grape that was at risk of extinction until the 1970s, today grown almost exclusively in the Prepotto area, in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, which has dedicated its own sub-zone to it.

Why is Pignolo considered a rare grape?

Its cultivation had almost disappeared after the war due to very low yields and difficulty in growing it, and it was only recovered starting in the 1970s thanks to the work of certain local nurserymen and producers.

What's the relationship between Terrano and Refosco?

Terrano is considered a clonal selection of Refosco, grown specifically on the Karst plateau, where the iron-rich red soils accentuate its acidity and mineral character.

Are Friuli's reds suited to ageing?

It depends on the grape: Refosco and Terrano are generally made for younger consumption, while Pignolo, and to a lesser extent Schioppettino, can age in bottle for several years.