Friuli-Venezia Giulia started viticulture before
France, dating back to the days of the Romans, from grapes imported
from the East. The region has changed greatly within the last century
as widespred destruction took its toll on the grapes with problems
of oidium, peronospora and phylloxera. The change brought in new varieties
such as Chardonnay, Pinot Nero, Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc while
ancient varieties like red Refosco and whites, Picolit, Tocai and
Verduzzo.
There is one DOCG in Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Ramandolo.
However, there are nine DOCs: (1) Carso, (2) Collio Goriziano or Collio,
(3) Friuli Annia, (4) Friuli Aquileia, (5) Friuli Grave, (6) Friuli
Isonzo, (7) Friuli Latisana, (8) Colli Orientali del Friuli, wines
from the "eastern" hills of the province Udine and (9) Lison-Pramaggiore
that includes parts of eastern Veneto and western Venezia Giulia.
