Home Italy Colli Orientali del Friuli Sauvignon: Considering the Variety’s Local Typicity

Colli Orientali del Friuli Sauvignon: Considering the Variety’s Local Typicity

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Colli Orientali del Friuli Sauvignon Characteristics Card

click on comic to enlarge

One of the projects of the Colli Orientali del Friuli is to recognize and celebrate the unique typicity of not only its indigenous grapes, but also the long established international varieties. Because of the diversely mixed political history of the region, the area has celebrated the introduction of grapes known more famously in other grape parts of the world. Unfortunately, in many cases the introduction of new grape types has also accompanied the loss of indigenous ones. Friuli has a deep commitment to cultivating the grapes peculiar to the area–Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, Schioppettino, Refosco, to name a few–but also has a dedication to developing and understanding those international varieties with their own long standing local tradition, and the continued potential for strong relationship with the local terroir.

With such a commitment in mind, the Consortium of Wine Makers in Colli Orientali del Friuli has sought to understand the uniqueness of Sauvignon in the region–the grape elsewhere known by its longer name, Sauvignon Blanc. Having now tasted tens of varietals, as well as Sauvignon-based blends from this DOC, it is clear the grape produces a distinctive profile here.

Part of the influence on the grape’s style in this region finds its roots in the unique soil itself–a distinct marl of clay and lime formed as the result of the Eocenic seabed that once filled these valleys and covered these hills. Other influences grow out of the unique climate developed by the wind influence of air lifting from the Adriatic towards the Alps. Further, the commitment of the people themselves establishes the flavor and structural profile of the grape here.

The characteristics shown in the Sauvignon card are those named for the Colli Orientali in their description of the DOC’s typicity for the variety. They are consistent with a common expression shown alongside producer variations for the Sauvignon’s we have tasted on this trip.

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To read more about our tour through the Colli Orientali check out our group’s conglomerate blog here: http://cof2012.com/

Thank you again to the Colli Orientali del Friuli for organizing a spectacular range of visits throughout their beautiful region! Thank you too, again, to Jeremy for including me!

Copyright 2012 all rights reserved. When sharing or forwarding, please attribute to WakawakaWineReviews.com

4 COMMENTS

  1. your approach towards featuring and describing varietals and regions- is both stylish and educational. i am an avid drinker of wine, and reader of yer reviews. many thanks Ms. Wakawaka!

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