If your wine travel radar needs a fresh ping, aim it northeast—past Venice, where Friuli Venezia Giulia kisses Slovenia and the Alps. Tucked into the Colli Orientali hills is Rosazzo, a DOCG anchored by a storied abbey and a laser-focused white blend that’s as precise as a well-waxed surfboard. Susannah at Avvinare spotlights this corner with insider clarity, reminding us how Italy still delivers new discoveries even after decades of study.
Why Rosazzo deserves your attention
The Rosazzo DOCG (granted in 2011) is built around Friulano, a grape that thrives in Friuli’s cool air, sunny days, and ponca soils (marl and sandstone). It’s not just another white—the blend has rules, which gives the wines a signature profile: Friulano leads, supported by Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco, with a cameo of Ribolla Gialla. That structure shows in the glass: mineral, herb-tinged, and quietly powerful—think alpine precision with Mediterranean poise.
Susannah sums it up concisely: “These white wines are mineral and focused on the Friulano grape.” —Susannah, Avvinare
While Susannah’s spotlight leans toward whites (fair—Rosazzo Bianco is the headliner), she also nods to native reds like Pignolo. Here’s where I nudge the lens a bit: Pignolo’s dark-fruited, taut style adds a compelling counterpoint for travelers who want a full spectrum of Friuli character alongside those crystalline whites.
What to expect
• A sense of place: The Abbey of Rosazzo has been a cultural and winemaking anchor for centuries, and the DOCG communes sit in the province of Udine within the broader Friuli Colli Orientali. That means rolling hills, ventilation from the mountains, and just enough Adriatic influence to keep acidity lively.
• The blend’s balance: Friulano’s almond and wild herb notes meet Sauvignon’s lift and Chardonnay/Pinot Bianco’s texture. Ribolla Gialla stays in the wings, adding subtle grip when included. The result is a food-flexible white that loves prosciutto di San Daniele, seafood, and anything kissed by lemon and olive oil.
• A red surprise: Pignolo, an indigenous grape with structure and verve, impressed Susannah at a New York tasting. As she writes, “I loved this grape that reminded me of Pinot Noir.” —Susannah, Avvinare. Expect firmer tannins than Pinot, with spice and black cherry, but the comparison tracks in the elegance department.
• Export-friendly, yet place-driven: As Susannah notes, Rosazzo’s wines have been known beyond Italy for ages. Accessibility is great for us stateside drinkers, but the best way to really get it is to taste on home turf—where vineyard winds and abbey stones do their quiet, persuasive work.
If you go
• Book ahead for tastings and winery visits: Friuli wineries are welcoming but appointments are the norm, especially around harvest and weekends.
• Base in Udine or nearby Colli Orientali towns: You’ll have easy access to Rosazzo, plus restaurants that understand the local pairings.
• Pair your day with culture: The Abbey of Rosazzo is the historic heartbeat—plan time for both the wines and the setting, not just the pours.
Context that helps you plan
Friuli Venezia Giulia is defined by contrasts: Alpine to Adriatic, Italian to Slovene influences, crisp whites alongside characterful natives. The Colli Orientali (Eastern Hills) lend elevation and cool nights, which translates to tension and detail in the glass. Late spring and early fall are sweet spots—think long light, mild temps, and fewer crowds than Italy’s blockbuster regions. If you’re chasing a more intimate wine experience without sacrificing depth, Rosazzo is a quietly confident bet.
It’s also a region that rewards curiosity. The DOCG blend tells one story, but the supporting cast—Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Refosco, and yes, Pignolo—keeps the plot moving. Susannah’s framing emphasizes Rosazzo’s codified white style; I agree, and would simply add that exploring the indigenous reds rounds out the narrative and makes the trip even more compelling for wine lovers who like to zig when others zag.
Bottom line: Rosazzo is the kind of place where rules serve the terroir, not the other way around. You get precision without rigidity, tradition without nostalgia. If Friulano is the melody, Colli Orientali’s hills are the rhythm section—and the Abbey is the steady beat that’s been keeping time for centuries.
Key Takeaways
- Key themes: Friuli Venezia Giulia, Rosazzo DOCG, Abbey of Rosazzo—stay informed on these evolving trends.
- The takeaway? Keep exploring, keep tasting, and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Source: https://avvinare.com/2026/01/09/friuli-venezia-giulia-rosazzo-discoveries/
