Friuli/Venezia-Giulia

DOC (previously also known as Aquileia del Friuli) for a wide range of red, rosé and white wines in the Friuli-Giulia-Venezia wine-growing region in Italy. The zone includes the commune of Aquileia, from which it takes its name, as well as a further 16 communes in the province of Udine. The Romans founded the colony of Aquileia in 181 BC, the city of the same name is still in existence close to the Adriatic coast. In the north of the region, glacial and alluvial soils of clay and gravel predominate, while the south has sandy loess soils. The influence of the Adriatic sea creates a mild maritime climate. Varietal-labelled wines must contain a minimum of 90% of the stated variety, the remaining 10% may be made up of other permitted varieties of the same colour. The wines are: Cabernet (from Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon) Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Malvasia (from Malvasia Istriana), Merlot, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Riesling (Riesling Renano) Sauvignon, Tocai Friulano, Traminer Aromatica and Verduzzo Friulano. The Bianco is a blend made from any combination of Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana, Müller-Thurgau, Pinot Grigio, Riesling Renano, Sauvignon, Tocai Friulano, Traminer Aromatico and Verduzzo Friulano. Rosso (also as a Novello) is a blend made from any combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Refosco. The Rosato is made from Merlot. Some of these wines are also made in Frizzante and/or Spumante versions, and also as Superiore (higher alcohol) and Riserva (matured for longer) variants. All of the wines are made in dry (secco) style, some also in semi-sweet (amabile) and sweet (dolce) styles. Very similar wine styles are made in the neighbouring DOC zones Friuli Annia, Friuli Grave, Friuli Isonzo and Friuli Latisana.