One of the best Pinot Bianco wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia is made by a former Bbnker. Here’s which one

When we talk about the Colli Orientali del Friuli, we refer to a strip of land in Friuli Venezia Giulia about sixty kilometres long and no more than fifteen kilometres wide, where vineyards mostly grow on marl and limestone soils, yet with climates that can sometimes differ significantly. In the southernmost area, the Adriatic Sea has a mitigating effect; in the northernmost part, however, the climate is influenced by the proximity of the Alpine arc. Positioned centrally between these two influences lies the winery founded by Roberto Scubla in 1991.

Roberto Scubla: from banking to vineyards

This is one of the many life-changing stories we find in the world of wine. Before giving in to his passion for vineyards and wine, which he had nurtured since he was young, Roberto worked in a bank. Then, an encounter with a semi-abandoned farmhouse on the hills of Rocca Bernarda, in the territory of Ipplis, sparked something in him: first, he purchased the vineyards, then he restored the structure, ultimately creating what is now one of the most thriving wineries in the Colli Orientali del Friuli.

Today, that rustic farmhouse has become a refined architectural estate surrounded by a bucolic atmosphere. The winery has been enhanced with a fully underground barrel room, benefiting from a consistently cool temperature. The unique shape of the surrounding hills allows the Bora wind to flow through, ensuring constant ventilation and enabling the natural drying of Verduzzo grapes, which are laid on racks outdoors under a canopy.

Although the region is primarily known for its white wines, Roberto has not neglected the production of intriguing reds. His 12 hectares of vineyards host refosco, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, alongside a broad selection of white grape varieties: friulano, malvasia, ribolla gialla, sauvignon, and pinot bianco. There are also riesling renano and verduzzo, which are used to produce outstanding sweet wines.

FCO Pinot Bianco '23 - Roberto Scubla

The best value for money wine in Friuli Venezia Giulia according to the Berebene 2025 Guide

The style of Roberto Scubla’s wines is defined by purity of flavour and aromatic clarity. These characteristics are evident in the FCO Pinot Bianco ‘23. The grapes, grown on the classic marl soils of the area, are hand-harvested. After pressing and fermentation, the wine remains in stainless steel for another eight months. This process preserves the aromatic sensations, which in this 2023 vintage elegantly express floral and citrus notes, streaked with slightly smoky hints. The same refinement is perceived on the palate, with a sip that beautifully balances flavour and vibrancy.

In the Berebene 2025 guide by Gambero Rosso, it was awarded as the Best Regional Quality-Price Wine. It also received Due Bicchieri Rossi (Two Red Glasses) in the Vini d’Italia 2025 guide by Gambero Rosso, having reached the final tastings of our evaluations.