27 Nov Enjoy White Wines? Then Try Five White Wines from Collavini in Friuli, Italy

Located in the northeastern region of Italy, the Friuli-Venezia Giulia wine region is the most important white wine producer. While there are delicious red wines and orange wines in this region, some consider Friuli-Venezia Giulia, more commonly referred to as Friuli, to be the best white wine region in Italy.

74% of the wine production in Friuli is for white wines. From the indigenous varieties of Friulano and Ribolla Gialla to the international varieties of Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay, Friuli is a region to discover as I did with a tasting of the wines of Eugenio Collavini Viticoltori.

About Collavini

Eugenio Collavini started making wine in 1896. His son Giovanni took over during the periods of World War I and World War II and had to stop production to focus on feeding his family. Post World War II, Giovanni’s son Manilo restarted the winery after moving the winery headquarters to the hills of Corno di Rosazzo in the province of Udine. Today Manilo works with his sons Luigi, who handles the sales and marketing, and Giovanni, who handles production.

About Friuli

Friuli is a small region located in a corner of Italy that borders Slovenia and Austria. Friuli is surrounded by mountains, as well as the Adriatic Sea in the south. A cool climate region, the nearby Alps help regulate the temperatures as cool winds travel from the north and warm winds travel from the south. As Luigi shared, “when the wind is blowing from the north, the grapes are getting all the freshness, all the acidity, all the minerality from the brisky cold winds from the north. And when the wind blows from the south, we add to the grapes size, sugar, alcohol, and volume.” In addition, the soils are layers of marl and sandstone, called Ponca, that were created more than 46 million years ago. Luigi described these soils as “perfect for viticulture” as the roots have to go deep into the soil where they reach the layers of marl which holds deposits of water, as well as nutrients and minerals. These conditions make the region ideal for vibrant, structured wines with naturally high acidity and complexity.

White Wines of Collavini

Eugenio Collavini Il Grigio Spumante di Qualita’

In 1973, Luigi’s father Manilo decided that Friuli would be a great place to make sparkling wine. At the time, all of the sparkling wines in Italy were sweet and he, and some friends, decided they would make a dry sparkling wine. The first sparkling wine Collavini made was with Pinot Grigio. Il Grigio Spumante Friulano di Qualita’ is a blend of Chardonnay (60%) and Pinot Grigio (40%). It is made in the Charmat method and spends 5-6 months in tank. Il Grigio is fresh and light with citrus, apple, and pear notes. Pair this wine with fish, charcuterie, and other appetizers.

Eugenio Collavini Ribolla Gialla Spumante Brut 2018

Ribolla Gialla is the most ancient grape in Friuli, dating back to 1272 when it was grown by Benedictine monks. 45 years ago, Manilo thought the grape was suitable for bubbles and was the first to make sparkling wine from Ribolla Gialla. He tried to make it in the traditional method but the grape was too elegant and soft. Instead they make it in the tank but in a process called Metodo Collavini. It is a combination between the Charmat method and Metodo Classico. The wine spends 32 months in pressure tanks and then 12 months in bottle. On the nose, the wine exudes aromas of citrus, white peach, and green apple, as well as mineral note. On the palate, the wine is fresh and structured and is very food friendly, especially with fish and shellfish.

Eugenio Collavini T-Friulano 2022, Collio DOC

Friulano is an indigenous grape that is similar in taste to Sauvignon Blanc. It is the most popular grape in the region and gaining popularity outside of Italy with plantings in California and Long Island, New York. T-Friulano is fermented in stainless steel and has herbal and citrus notes, as well as aromas of white flowers and almond. On the palate, the wine is rounded with a waxy texture, yet it is also very fresh. Enjoy this wine with San Daniele Prosciutto, fish, pasta with fish, and even asparagus!

Eugenio Collavini Turian Ribolla Gialla 2020, Colli Orientali del Friuli

Ribolla Gialla is a challenging grape to grow and it was almost extinct. Fortunately, thanks to a re-focus on indigenous grapes, Ribolla Gialla has been revived. The Turian Ribolla Gialla is grown in Ponco soils on the Rosazzo hill, where the grape was born. A golden color, the wine is rich, elegant, and textured with notes of white flowers, apples, and lemon. On the palate, the freshness and richness are balanced and there is a lovely saline finish. Pair this wine with soups, fish stews, and shellfish.

Eugenio Collavini Broy 2019 Bianco Collio DOC

A blend of 50% Tocai Friulano, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Sauvignon Blanc, this is the signature white wine from Collavini. The goal of this wine, which they started making in 2003, it to be a wine that represents Friuli at its best. Between 2003-2008, the wine was barrel fermented and barrel aged, resulting in a rich, fat, big, opulent wine. Between 2008-2018, they discontinued usins the barrels and used tanks to produce a lighter, more mineral-driven version. In 2019, they started using wood again but found the perfect balance. The wine only spends six months in the barrel, as Luigi explained, “because we don’t want to feel the barrel.” In the blend, Friulano gives the wine its typicity, Chardonnay adds the backbone and elegance, and Sauvignon Blanc adds the color. This wine has an elegant nose with aromas of tropical and stone fruits, orange peel, fresh flowers, and brioche. On the palate, the wine is rich yet fresh on the palate with honey and mineral notes on the finish. Enjoy this wine with fish, mature cheeses, truffle risotto, and polenta with creamy cheese sauce.

When you think of Italian wine regions, Fruili Venezia Giuli may not be the first one you say. But if you think about white wines from Italy, Friuli is your answer!