Friuli Colli Orientali

Characteristic

Terroir

The Friuli Colli Orientali region was defined in 1970 with the approval of the production regulations for the then DOC Colli Orientali del Friuli. It encompasses the entire hilly area of ​​the eastern portion of the province of Udine.
These hills range in altitude from 100 to 350 meters above sea level, homogeneous in terms of both climate and geological origin. In ancient times (35-55 million years ago), the Friuli plain was inundated by the sea, and the coasts almost reached the current Julian Prealps.
At the bottom of this ancient lagoon, over the millennia, a slow process of sedimentation took place, giving rise to imposing formations that, with the retreat of the sea, emerged from the waters. These Eocene deposits today appear as alternating layers of marl (calcareous clay) and sandstone (calcified sand) with a very distinctive appearance. These soils are extraordinarily suited to viticulture due to their position and composition.
Over the centuries, the profile of the slopes has been shaped by the work of generations of winemakers. The visitor’s gaze can sweep across the terraced terraces and vineyards, but often rests on large wooded areas, before sweeping across the plain framed, on the horizon, by the sparkling sea.
This is the ideal geographical location for viticulture, with the Julian Alps behind them, sheltering the vines from the cold north winds, and the Adriatic Sea in front, ensuring beneficial and constant ventilation.

Clime

The area boasts countless microclimates: cooler and more humid in the north, close to the mountains; milder and drier in the south, where, as they did 20 centuries ago, olive trees grow and bear fruit alongside the vines.

Grapes

International grapes such as Merlot, Cabernet, Chardonnay and Pinot. But also some indigenous grape as Schioppettino Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso.

Sources: https://www.colliorientali.com/en/