The Friuli Isonzo DOC, also called Isonzo del Friuli, lies entirely within the province of Gorizia, in Friuli Venezia Giulia. It was recognised on 30 October 1974. It covers the municipalities of Romans d'Isonzo, Gradisca d'Isonzo, Villesse, San Pier d'Isonzo, Turriaco, Medea, Moraro and Mariano del Friuli, and part of others, including Cormons, Capriva del Friuli, Monfalcone and Gorizia. It has about 722 hectares, with an output of 21,300 hectolitres.
An ancient tradition
Wine has a long history here. In the year 77 Pliny the Elder mentions the «vinum Pucinum», made not far from the source of the Timavo, on a stony hill, in the sea breeze. In the third century Emperor Maximinus requisitioned local barrels and vats to build a wooden bridge over the Isonzo and reach Aquileia, which was under siege. In 1891 Gorizia hosted the fourth Austrian Oenological Congress, and in 1966 about 90 growers founded a first consortium.
The whites
The rules allow twenty grapes. The white varietals are Chardonnay, Friulano, Malvasia Istriana, Moscato Giallo, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Riesling, Welschriesling, Sauvignon, Traminer Aromatico and Verduzzo Friulano. The Bianco blends these grapes in any proportion, and the Verduzzo may also be sweet. Varietals may include up to 15% of other grapes of the same colour. There is also a Vendemmia Tardiva, a late harvest wine from Chardonnay, Friulano, Malvasia, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon and Verduzzo. The minimum alcohol for the appellation is 10.5%.
Reds, rosés and sparkling wines
The red varietals are Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Franconia, Merlot, Pignolo, Pinot Nero, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso and Schioppettino; the Cabernet blends the two Cabernets, and the Rosso all of these grapes in any proportion. The Pignolo ages at least two years and is released from 1 November of the second year after the harvest. There are also a Rosato, a Moscato Rosa and several sparkling wines, including a Chardonnay with at most 15% Pinot Nero.
The province of Gorizia is also home to Collio Goriziano, in the hills to the north, and Carso, across the provinces of Gorizia and Trieste.
