Friuli Aquileia is located on the lowlands in the southern part of Italy's most north-eastern region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. In 1975 it was awarded its DOC, which covers the eponymous commune of Aquileia and 16 communes in the province of Udine. Since Roman times, this area has been recognized for its ideal grape-growing environment thanks to its superb terroir. The colony of Aquileia was founded in 181 BC and the city still remains today.
The area enjoys a temperate maritime climate thanks to its close proximity to the Adriatic Sea, which keeps it well ventilated in the summer and reduces humidity. The vines also benefit from two soil environments that are excellent for growing vines: in the north the soils are glacial and alluvial, comprising clay and gravel, while in the south sandy loess dominates. The wines reflect this excellent terroir by displaying exceptional, distinctive aromas.
Like its neighbors Friuli Grave, Friuli Latisana and Friuli Annia, this area produces wines from similar grape varieties found in Friuli Isonzo. The wines tend to be less structured and are lighter in body, made to be drunk young. Nevertheless this area can boast some excellent reds with good levels of concentration and elegance that match the quality of those made in the hills. The notable red wines are made from Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, particularly when grapes are sourced from densely planted vineyards and the wine is then matured in small French oak casks.
Varietal wines require a minimum of 90% of the stated variety and the remaining 10% can be made up of other authorized varieties of the same color. Three blends can also be made: a bianco, rosso and rosato. The Friuli Aquileia Bianco may contain Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling, Friulano and Verduzzo Friulano as a blend or individually. Muller-Thurgau and Traminer Aromatico, which can be made into varietals, are excluded from this mix. Sparkling spumante versions can also be made from this combination of grapes.
Friuli Aquileia Rosso comprises any of the Bordeaux trio (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot) as well as the local Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, either as a blend or individually. This medley of grapes can be used to craft a novello (new), superiore and riserva wine. The rose is predominantly made up of Merlot, but can include up to 30% of any of the other permitted red varieties.
