WTI Magazine #29    2014 May, 8
Author : Vino OK      Translation by:

Friuli Annia and Aquileia is produced in Friuli, very fascinating region in northern Italy. More precisely, this wine is produced in a wide area including the towns of Carlino, San Giorgio di Nogaro, Marano Lagunare, Torviscosa, Castions di Strada, Porpetto, Bagnaria Arsa e Muzzana del Torgnano, all located in the province of Udine.

Friuli Annia and Aquileia wine has been granted the recognition of Denomination of Controlled Origin, better known by the acronym DOC. In order to ensure its optimal quality, Friuli Annia and Aquileia must follow certain rules, from the doses of grapes used for the production to the quality of the soil in which the vines are grown. The climate also contributes to the quality of the Friuli Annia and Aquileia, the benefits of which influences the creation of a lively and full-flavored wine. The windy days and the right exposure to the sun's rays are of the utmost importance, too.

Friuli Annia and Aquileia is made up of different categories, but also of different sub-denominations of varieties, each of which has its own characteristics that differentiate them from one another.

Among the different categories of Friuli Annia and Aquileia we have red, white, sparkling and rosé.

The Red Friuli Annia and Aquileia is produced from Merlot and/or Cabernet Franc and/or Cabernet Sauvignon and/or Refosco. Among its organoleptic characteristics it has a ruby red color, sometimes garnet, a pleasant and winey aroma and a dry and harmonious flavor. The Reserve is subjected to an aging period of about two years, of which at least 12 months must be spent in wooden casks; and has an alcohol content of at least 13% vol. Its service temperature should be around 17-19° C and must be subject to an aging of at least two or three years to taste best and then accompany simple but tasty dishes, such as red and white meat, cured meats, rich pasta dishes.

The White Friuli Annia and Aquileia has among its characteristics the presence of a pale yellow color more or less intense, with a pleasant smell and a fresh, fine and harmonious taste. Its alcohol content must be at a minimum of 10.5% vol. White Friuli Annia is produced with grapes Tocai Friulano and/or Pinot bianco and/or Pinot Grigio and/or Malvasia Istriana and/or Verduzzo Friulano and/or Sauvignon and/or Chardonnay. Best served at a temperature of 10-12 ° C, it well combines with low-fat entrees and dishes based on fish.

The Sparkling Friuli Annia and Aquileia has a pale yellow color straw and brilliant. The scent is fruity and the taste is soft, full-bodied and also very fine. Its alcohol content must be at least 11% vol. and it is produced with Chardonnay and/or Pinot bianco, plus several local white grapes, in an amount not exceeding 10%. The service temperature is around 6-8 ° C. You may want to taste this wine while it is still young and to accompany it with delicacies such as seafood appetizers. It is also can be served as an aperitif.

The Rosé Friuli Annia and Aquileia has among its characteristics a pinkish color, almost cherry-soft, a very pleasant and fine smell and a dry, harmonious and full taste. Its alcohol content is equal to a minimum of 10.5% vol. and it is produced with the same grapes used for Red Friuli Annia and Aquileia. Its service temperature must be equal to 13-15 ° C. You may want to taste the Rosé Friuli Annia and Aquileia when it is still young, because it is when it shows the most of its features and its quality, especially when paired with foods such as cold cuts (ham), freshwater fish, rice and beans.

As mentioned earlier, Friuli Annia and Aquileia also consists of several sub-denominations of varieties, including Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Refosco, Chardonnay, Malvasia, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon, Tocai Friulano, Traminer, Verduzzo Friuli. Each of them differs in doses and types of grapes used for the production, but each one is loved for its delicacy.