Where to go for a varietal masterclass

You’d think they know best, wouldn’t you? Friuli-Venezia Giulia, in Italy’s north east corner, is very highly regarded by the Italian wine drinker for its pure, aromatic varietals. If you’re of the “when in Rome” mindset, you will know that relying on the knowledge and expertise of the indigenous people is quite a smart game to play.

So what is it that draws Italians to these wines in particular? Why, in terms of the national, homeland demand, is Friuli preferred over Tuscany, Sicily and Piemonte? Well, much of it lies in the style of wines being produced here. They are different to that of the western Piemonte and that of the southern regions. Italian consumers attach a high value to this because what is done here, and the style that is achieved, can’t be done as well elsewhere in Italy. But that’s not everything.

Importantly, what the terroir of Friuli brings is an incredible expression of variety like only a handful of regions around the world can do. This varietal expression is what wine connoisseurs pay the extra for. If you’ve ever tried our whites from Poggiobello you’ll have experienced a great example of the strengths and subtletess of a grape variety in its purest form, whether it was the Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc or Friulano. If you were conducting a varietal masterclass, it would be the white wines of Friuli that you would use.

Seventeen different grape varieties can be grown in Friuli’s two main DOCs, Collio (Goriziano) and Colli Orientali (del Friuli). The aforementioned white varieties are widely grown across these areas, along with Pinot Bianco (Pinot Blanc), but the best reds come from the south western corner of Colli Orientali, in the foothills of the Dolomites. Merlot does well here, as well as local grapes such as Ribolla, Refosco and Schioppettino.

For the month of June, save €3 per bottle on each of the wines from Poggiobello.