Since the late 1980s, with our Vini d’Italia and Berebene guides, we have been documenting the Italian wine world, closely following the oenological resurgence of Friuli Venezia Giulia —a region that, year after year, has established itself as one of the best areas for producing outstanding white wines. This reputation is now so well established that the Friulian style, a finely balanced blend of technical expertise and identity-driven characteristics, has gained recognition not only in Italy but also on international markets.
The region’s excellence is largely concentrated in the rolling hills that form a stunning landscape, protected by the Julian Alps and extending along the eastern border all the way to the Adriatic Sea. However, most of the vineyards are found in the vast plains, and when they are well managed from an agricultural standpoint, they can also deliver remarkable surprises.
Chardonnay in Friuli Venezia Giulia: an International variety that has become "traditional"
The wine scene in Friuli Venezia Giulia presents a vast range of grape varieties—both indigenous and international. In fact, some of these international varieties have been present in the region for so long that they can almost be considered traditional, such as Sauvignon and, above all, Chardonnay.
Chardonnay is one of the world’s most famous and widely cultivated grape varieties. As is well known, its birthplace is Burgundy, and it is believed to be a noble offspring (genetically speaking) of another prestigious grape, Pinot Noir. From there, it spread worldwide, including to Italy, where one of the key entry points appears to have been the Triveneto region.
Thus, Chardonnay’s presence in Friuli Venezia Giulia dates back a long time, and the reason why it is still successfully cultivated there today is the same reason it has flourished in so many diverse regions. Unlike many other grape varieties that have an inseparable bond with their place of origin, Chardonnay interacts successfully with the environment in which it is grown. It is one of the most adaptable grape varieties, thriving in different soils and climates, always producing wines with distinct characteristics that reflect the nuances of their terroir.
The best value-for-money Chardonnay from Friuli Venezia Giulia
The following list features the Friulian Chardonnay wines that impressed us the most in terms of value for money, and which we included in the Berebene 2025 and Vini d’Italia 2025 guides by Gambero Rosso.
In addition to still white wines, primarily from the Colli Orientali and the gravelly Isonzo Valley, we also highlight a delightful Metodo Classico sparkling wine. All these wines have been included in the Berebene 2025 and Vini d’Italia 2025 guides by Gambero Rosso.
The Friuli Colli Orientali Chardonnay '23 from Valle has an intense and floral aromatic profile. On the palate, acacia and hawthorn notes re-emerge, complemented by a fresh, easy-drinking character. Gigi Valle was a renowned figure in the regional wine scene. Today, his sons Paolo and Marco lead the winery, producing honest and well-crafted wines.
Friuli Chardonnay Andritz '23 - Sturm
The Chardonnay Andritz '23 stands out for its elegance: lavender, yeast, and pastry notes blend harmoniously with hints of acacia flowers and dried fruit, offering a soft and balanced sip. Founded in 1850, the Sturm winery became prominent thanks to Oscar, who is still active in the vineyards, although the estate is now run by his sons Denis and Patrick. Their philosophy is to produce organic wines using only copper, sulphur, and no herbicides.
Father's Eyes Chardonnay '23 - di Lenardo
The Chardonnay Father's Eyes '23 exudes intense aromas of broom, ripe pear, banana, candied citron, and ginger, with a full-bodied and structured mouthfeel. The Di Lenardo winery is located in the small village of Ontagnano, just a few kilometres from the walls of Palmanova. The estate dates back to 1878, but its most remarkable chapters have been written by the current owner, Massimo Di Lenardo, who is now preparing to pass the reins to his son Vittorio. Their wines are rich in complexity, as the vineyards stretch across the sunny Friulian plain, divided into different zones with varied soils and microclimates.
Friuli Isonzo Chardonnay '19 - Amandum
The Chardonnay '19 from Amandum is an excellent wine. Enrico and Carlo Alberto Agostinis took over the family estate in 2013, which had previously been managed by their grandmother Bianca and mother Anna. To honour their deep family bonds, they created the Amandum brand.
Friuli Isonzo Chardonnay '23 - Vigna del Lauro
The Chardonnay '23 from Vigna del Lauro captivates the nose with rare elegance. On a delicate yet refined lavender base, notes of propolis, summer hay, yellow peach, and lemongrass emerge. Initially fresh on the palate, it evolves into a soft and juicy texture. Fabio Coser, former owner of Ronco dei Tassi in the Collio Goriziano, decided at the turn of the century to diversify production to cater to a market segment seeking simple, easy-drinking wines that maintained typicity while remaining affordable. To achieve this, he identified an old vineyard of Friulano almost entirely surrounded by ancient laurel trees, giving birth to Vigna del Lauro.
Blanc de Blancs Extra Brut M. Cl. - Puiatti
The Blanc de Blancs from Puiatti is truly enjoyable: a Chardonnay-based sparkling wine with an aromatic profile offering sensations of white peach, jasmine, and orange blossom. The palate is lively, with a creamy mousse and a persistent, mineral-driven finish. Founded by Vittorio Puiatti in 1967, the winery has played a key role in the regional wine scene, evolving over time while maintaining its distinctive style.
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