Colli Orientali del Friuli

Colli Orientali del Friuli wine is defined by a rare cast of indigenous grapes — Ribolla Gialla, Schioppettino, Pignolo, Verduzzo, and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso — alongside international varieties like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc. Producers here have shifted their focus toward those indigenous varieties and the distinct terroirs of each subzone where they have historically thrived. The result is a region offering styles that simply do not exist elsewhere — and that case gets stronger in the section below.

Why choose Colli Orientali del Friuli wine?

If you want wines that cannot be replicated in Collio or Grave del Friuli, this is the region. The copper-hued Pinot Grigio Ramato — made by skin fermentation — is attracting serious attention precisely because it sits outside every familiar category. Reds have moved away from heavy oak toward leaner, more elegant expressions of Schioppettino and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, which suit the table far better than the blockbusters they used to be. For sweet-wine lovers, the DOCG Ramandolo from Verduzzo and DOCG Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit — with its prized subzone Cialla — represent two historic late-harvest and dried-grape styles with genuine appellation standing. Pair the reds with slow-roasted pork or aged hard cheese; the Picolit with blue cheese or a simple fruit dessert. Collectors and curious drinkers who want something genuinely distinctive will find more here than in any other Friuli appellation. If you want rare indigenous grapes and skin-fermented Ramato found nowhere else, our Colli Orientali del Friuli selection starts here →

What is Schioppettino and why does it matter?

Schioppettino is a Friulian red grape rescued from extinction in the 1970s and now grown by 20 producers. It produces a spicy, medium-bodied red found almost exclusively in Colli Orientali del Friuli.

Are the white wines oaky or fresh in style?

The region has moved away from barrel fermentation and barrique ageing. Expect fresher, crisper whites rather than the heavily oaked styles that once dominated.

How did modern Friuli white wine style begin?

Cold fermentation techniques adopted in the 1970s established Friuli's reputation for fresh, fruity, and aromatic white wines — a tradition Colli Orientali del Friuli producers still build on.