Friuli Isonzo (Isonzo del Friuli) is located in the far southeastern part of Italy's most northeastern region, Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The fairly small DOC (which received its classification in 1974) is found in the eastern part of the Friuli Grave zone, and among its 21 communes are Mariano del Friuli, San Lorenzo Isontino and Gradisca d'Isonzo.
The area lies on a plain of alluvial soils along the Isonzo river just south of Collio, hence its name. The river divides the zone into two sections. The "left bank" is notable for its chalk-poor and clay-rich soils mixed with red gravel, while the soils on the "right bank" are particularly chalky and layered with white gravel. The river bed constantly shifts, leading to flooding that enriches the soil with nutrients.
Friuli Isonzo also enjoys a maritime climate, with more rainfall than many other areas in the region. The nearby Adriatic is a constant source of warm daytime wind, and from the mountains to the north there are cool night-time breezes. This excellent diurnal temperature variation and the good soils create an ideal environment for growing vines and producing unique, high-quality wines. The best vineyard sites are in the northeast, near Cormons.
The modern wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay have brought Isonzo into the limelight, aided by some outstanding reds predominantly made from Merlot. The more traditional wines with soft, rounded flavors tend to comprise Malvasia Istriana, Friulano and Pinot Bianco, which are perfect with local cuisine such as risotto. Seventeen varietal wines can be made under this designation and must contain 100 percent of the mentioned variety, although the Cabernet Sauvignon wine is allowed to include a measure of Cabernet Franc too.
Other varietals are made from Pinot Grigio, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Verduzzo (Verduzzo Friulano). The Isonzo Bianco can combine any of the following white varieties: Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana, Merlot, Moscato Giallo, Moscato Rosa, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Pinot Nero, Refosco dal Pedunculo Rosso, Riesling Italico, Riesling, Sauvignon Blanc, Schioppettino, Friulano, Traminer and Verduzzo.
Under the DOC designation a vendemmia tardiva (late harvest) wine can be made, which uses Chardonnay, Malvasia Istriana, Moscato Giallo, Moscato Rosa, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling Italico, Riesling Renano, Sauvignon Blanc and Verduzzo, either as a blend or individually.
There is also a Friulano Rosso which can be made as a vino novello, and a rosato made from a combination of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Franconia, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Schioppettino and Refosco. Some of the wines are made in a foaming spumante and semi-sparkling frizzante version, a superiore (which requires a higher level of alcohol in the wine) and a riserva (which must be matured for longer). The styles can be either secco (dry), amabile (medium sweet) or dolce (sweet).
