Rosazzo DOCG

The Abbey of Rosazzo was founded between 1068 and 1070 by Augustinian monks, passed subsequently to the Benedictines and then the Dominicans, and sits at the heart of one of Italy's most historically documented wine zones. By the 14th century, local viticulture carried such importance that the patriarch threatened excommunication for any landowner who failed to plant vines. In 1483, Venetian diarist Marin Sanudo recorded Rosazzo wines as 'li mior de Italia,' the best in Italy. By 1595, Andrea Bacci noted they were poured at the German imperial table, and the wines also appeared at the Papal Court. This centuries-long pedigree laid the foundation for Rosazzo's elevation from a subzone of Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC to a full DOCG in 2011.

• Abbey founded 1068-1070; wine production documented for over 1,000 years
• 1483: Marin Sanudo described Rosazzo wines as 'li mior de Italia'
• 1595: Andrea Bacci recorded the wine being served at the German imperial table
• DOCG status granted October 14, 2011, replacing previous DOC subzone designation

Rosazzo sits at approximately 400 meters elevation across three municipalities in Udine province, all adjacent to the Abbey of Rosazzo. The soils are Eocene-origin marl and sandstone, locally known as flysch or ponca, with a franco-limoso-argilloso texture and medium alkaline reaction. These ancient marine sediments are the primary engine of the wines' salinity and mineral expressiveness. The climate is continental with meaningful Adriatic maritime influence; cooling breezes from the Adriatic Sea, excellent sun exposure, and wide diurnal temperature variations all support aromatic intensity and natural acidity. Terraced hillsides are essential here, addressing the inherent erosion susceptibility of the ponca soils.

• Elevation approximately 400 meters in Manzano, San Giovanni al Natisone, and Corno di Rosazzo
• Flysch/ponca soils of Eocene origin: marl and sandstone with medium alkaline reaction
• Continental climate moderated by Adriatic maritime breezes and wide diurnal temperature swings
• Terraced hillsides manage erosion on the steep ponca slopes

Rosazzo DOCG produces a single white wine type, a significant shift from the previous DOC designation which permitted two white and two red styles. Friulano anchors every blend at a minimum of 50%, lending the wine its herbal, almond, and mineral core. Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, and Chardonnay may each contribute between 20% and 30%, while Ribolla Gialla is capped at a maximum of 10%. Vinification and bottling must take place within the production zone or neighboring municipalities, preserving a tight geographic identity from vine to bottle.

• Friulano: minimum 50% of the blend
• Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay: each permitted at 20-30%
• Ribolla Gialla: maximum 10%
• Vinification and bottling must occur within the zone or neighboring municipalities

The wines present a golden yellow color with a delicate and characteristic aromatic profile. Tropical and exotic fruit notes are present alongside herbal and vegetal characters, with sage and balsamic elements on the finish. The palate is dry, harmonious, and soft, underpinned by high acidity and a marked salinity that traces directly to the flysch soils. Mineral expressiveness and a savory undertone are the defining signatures of the appellation. Minimum 18 months of aging before release builds texture and integration, while the 12% minimum alcohol ensures the wines retain freshness rather than weight.

• Golden yellow color; aromas of tropical fruit, exotic fruit, sage, and balsamic
• Dry, harmonious palate with high acidity and pronounced salinity
• Marked mineral expressiveness and savory undertone are hallmark characteristics
• Minimum 18 months aging and 12% minimum alcohol required before release