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What is Friuli Aquileia DOC?
Friuli Aquileia DOC is one of northeastern Italy’s most historic wine appellations, located in Friuli Venezia Giulia. Established in 1975, this denomination draws on over two millennia of viticulture dating back to Roman times, when Aquileia was a bustling imperial city and a hub for trade, culture, and winemaking. Today, the DOC produces a wide range of wines—crisp whites, structured reds, and elegant rosati—reflecting both the region’s fertile soils and its deep cultural heritage.
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Several Italian wine regions trace their roots to Roman times, including Friuli Aquileia DOC, near the archaeological site of Aquileia, Frascati DOC in Lazio, and the wine regions of Campania around Pompeii and Herculaneum.
Roman Wine Heritage in Modern Italy
Aquileia was once one of the largest cities of the Roman Empire, second only to Rome itself. Roman soldiers, merchants, and settlers planted vineyards here along the Adriatic plains, exporting wine throughout the empire. The archaeological site of Aquileia—today a UNESCO World Heritage Site—still hints at this history through mosaics depicting grape harvests and amphorae once used for wine transport.
Modern winemakers in the Friuli Aquileia DOC proudly embrace this heritage, often seeing themselves as custodians of a living tradition where ancient viticulture meets cutting-edge enology.
Where It’s Made: Geography & Terroir
The DOC spans about 450 hectares of vineyards around the city of Aquileia, located in Friuli Venezia Giulia, not far from the Adriatic coast and an easy day trip from Venice.
- Soils: Alluvial plains with sand, clay, and gravel
- Climate: Strong Adriatic influence, with cooling breezes and diurnal temperature shifts that preserve freshness in the grapes
- Landscape: Vineyards sit alongside Roman ruins, a rare overlap of archaeology and agriculture
The Grape (or Blend)
Friuli Aquileia DOC is known for its diverse varietal range, including both international and indigenous grapes:
- Whites: Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Riesling Italico
- Reds: Merlot (a local staple), Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc
Winemaking & DOC Regulations
- DOC Status: Granted in 1975
- Wine Styles: White, red, rosé, sparkling, varietal, and blends
- Yields & Aging: Regulated to ensure quality; some wines are intended for youthful drinking, while others—particularly Refosco and Cabernet—benefit from aging
Key Facts at a Glance
- Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia, northeastern Italy
- DOC Established: 1975
- Production Area: ~450 hectares
- Signature Grapes: Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Merlot, Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso
- Wine Styles: White, red, rosé, sparkling
- Heritage: Roman-era wine region; UNESCO archaeological site nearby
Tasting Notes
- Whites: Fresh, floral, and mineral-driven, with notes of citrus, pear, and almond (especially Friulano)
- Reds: Medium-bodied to structured, offering flavors of red berries, herbs, and spice; Refosco shows distinctive violet and black cherry notes
- Rosé & Sparkling: Light, lively, and perfect for warm Adriatic evenings
Serving & Pairing
- Pair with: Adriatic seafood (grilled branzino, shellfish risotto), San Daniele prosciutto, Montasio cheese, wild herbs, and light pasta dishes
- Serving Temp: Whites at 8–10°C, reds at 16–18°C
- Occasions: Aperitivo in Friuli, a Roman-inspired dinner, or a cultural food and wine tour of northeastern Italy
Where to Buy & Pricing
Friuli Aquileia DOC wines are less common outside Italy, but select importers carry them, particularly in northern Europe and the U.S. Price ranges:
- Entry-level bottles: $12–18
- Premium producers: $20–35
Travelers to Friuli can easily find them in local enotecas and wineries.
FAQ on Friuli Aquileia DOC
- Is Friuli Aquileia DOC the same as Friuli Venezia Giulia wines?
No—Friuli Aquileia is one of many DOCs in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. - What makes Friuli Aquileia DOC unique?
Its Roman heritage, proximity to a UNESCO site, and mix of native and international grape varieties. - Is it worth visiting wineries here?
Absolutely—several wineries combine tastings with tours of nearby Roman ruins, offering a unique cultural experience.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- The Romans exported Aquileia’s wines in amphorae as far as Gaul and the Danube.
- Many local winemakers today market their wines as a “taste of Roman history.”
- Aquileia was called the “Second Rome” in antiquity, and its mosaics often depict grapevines and winemaking scenes.
Planning a trip to Venice or Trieste? Add Friuli Aquileia to your itinerary for a rare chance to sip wine where the Romans once raised their glasses. Subscribe to our newsletter for more hidden wine travel itineraries across Italy.
Have fun to learn more about Italian Wines and Spirits! Explore also the non-alcoholic beverages
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If you are in the mood for a good book, you can try:
– The Modern History of Italian Wine by Walter Filipputti
– Hidden Gems of Italy: An Insider’s Secret Formula To Find Top-Class Italian Wines At Value Prices And Taste La Dolce Vita by Tony Margiotta
Additionally, you can discover the other wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia.
