Friuli Latisana is a DOC of the Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine region in the far northeastern corner of Italy. A wide range of mostly varietal wines are made here from a mix of both local and international grape varieties, the most important of which is Pinot Grigio.
The DOC covers land on the Adriatic coast a little way northeast of Veneto. Watercourses are of particular importance to the terroir here; the western boundary of Friuli Latisana is demarcated by the Tagliamento river, while the southern part of the zone is on the edge of the Lugana di Marano. Friuli Annia is just to the east, while Friuli Grave lies to the north.
The presence of the lagoon, a miniature version of the Gulf of Venice, is vital to the terroir – not only does it take the heat out of summer afternoons and the bite out of winter mornings, but on a daily basis it reduces diurnal temperature variation. This maritime climate makes the region well suited to making balanced, aromatic white wines, as grapes retain acidity as they ripen.
The river to the west of Friuli Latisana is also vital to the terroir, although as it relates to the soils. Most of the area's soils are alluvial sandy clays that come from the Julian Alps, where the Tagliamento has its source. These soils are excellent for viticulture – they drain well and have plenty of nutrients for healthy vine growth.
The Friuli Latisana DOC covers a wide range of wine styles, including red, white and rosato wines as well as sparkling spumante and semi-sparkling frizzante wines. The area's red wines are mostly varietal wines, made from the key Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot and accompanied by a few local grapes like Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso. These wines earn the mention superiore if they achieve 1 percent more alcohol by volume above than the standard requirement for the varietal. This may further be improved with the riserva mention, earned if the wines are aged for two full years prior to commercial release. Standard Friuli Latisana Rosso is made from a 60-percent base of the red Bordeaux varieties – an indication of how globally successful these have now become.
Friuli Latisana whites are just as commonly found in varietal form, and are based on Friulano, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Verduzzo, Traminer, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling and Chardonnay. Standard Friuli Latisana Bianco has a 60-percent base of Friulano, complemented by Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco. Both red and white wines can be made in the dried-grape passito style, as Friuli Latisana Passito.
