Italy - Friuli

Between Austria, Slovenia and the Veneto plain is the Friuli region, one of the oldest wine-growing regions in the world. There is evidence that wine was grown here as early as the Bronze Age, around 3,000 years ago. Despite frequent acts of war in which the region was involved due to changing historical influences, wine has been grown here continuously since ancient times. Thanks to improved cellar methods, Friuli is considered to be the best white wine region in Italy. Red wine is only grown to a limited extent. The best wines are grown in the mountain regions of Colli Orientali, Isonzo, Collio and, more recently, Isonzo. The Julian Alps shield the area from cold winds and protect the vines from late frosts. Warm air currents from the Venetian lagoon ensure higher temperatures than in the hinterland.