Sauvignon, a grape variety whose origins are disputed between Bordeaux and the Loire Valley in France, likely arrived in Italy towards the late 18th century. It thrives best in Friuli Venezia Giulia and Alto Adige, two regions particularly suited to white wines. While presenting the best wines from Collio, we also highlighted two Sauvignons that made it onto the list of 25 Friuli Venezia Giulia wines awarded the prestigious Tre Bicchieri recognition: Collio Sauvignon 2023 – Tiare Roberto Snidarcig and Collio Sauvignon Extempore 2018 – Venica & Venica. However, many other labels featuring this grape impressed us during our tastings.
Some of the Sauvignons we appreciated most belong to the Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC (COF), a strip of land about 60 km long and no more than 15 km wide. This area features marl and limestone soils, with climates that can vary significantly. In the south, the sea still has a mitigating influence, while in the northern part near Cividale, only the hardiest grape varieties—such as Verduzzo and Refosco—thrive, forming the backbone of viticulture in these zones.
Others come from the Collio DOC, traditionally one of Italy’s finest wine-growing areas for white wines. This cross-border DOC includes the hilly areas near the Italian-Slovenian frontier, stretching from Oslavia (on the northern outskirts of Gorizia) to Dolegna, near the Judri River. The region is distinguished by its unique ponca soil, a calcareous-marl formation that also characterizes the neighboring Colli Orientali del Friuli DOC.
The best value-for-money Sauvignon wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia
The following list includes Sauvignons from Friuli Venezia Giulia that feature in the Berebene 2025 and Vini d’Italia 2025 guides by Gambero Rosso. These wines received Due Bicchieri Rossi (meaning they reached the final round for Tre Bicchieri).
We were particularly captivated by the Sauvignon 2022 from La Magnolia, which showcases typical grapefruit and tomato leaf aromas, with good acidity that leads to a clean, crisp finish. This winery is based in an 18th-century villa in Spessa di Cividale and is run by Cristina Cozzarolo, who inherited the precious vineyards planted by her father in the 1960s. For years, she worked alongside her brother Claudio, who has since passed away and is remembered through the wine Ubi Es.
The Sauvignon 2022 from Drius is rich in citrus nuances of lychee and lime, alongside vegetal hints of nettle and bell pepper. Fragrant and dynamic on the palate, it reflects the craftsmanship of Mauro Drius, a skilled winemaker deeply passionate about his land. His vineyards stretch across both the Friuli Isonzo DOC plains and the slopes of Monte Quarin, in the heart of Collio. The winery benefits from strong family involvement, with his young son Denis now managing the cellar.
The Sauvignon 2023 from Dorigo is an excellent wine, intriguing on the nose and fragrant on the palate. Alessio Dorigo took over from his father Girolamo in 2012, ushering in structural and production changes that have elevated the winery’s offerings. While its Metodo Classico sparkling wines remain its flagship products, all of its wines have reached an impressively high standard, highlighting the region’s unique characteristics.
- FCO Sauvignon 2023 – Dorigo
The Sauvignon 2023 from Conte d’Attimis-Maniago offers intriguing smoky notes followed by candied fruit, citrus peel, and green bell pepper, leading to a fragrant and balsamic sip. With the 2023 vintage, the winery celebrated its 438th harvest in the hills of Buttrio. Alberto d’Attimis-Maniago Marchiò and his son Fabio run this historic estate, which has been passed down through 18 generations. The winery has always valued local biotypes and native varieties, preserving biodiversity by maintaining woodlands and diverse crops alongside its vineyards.
The Sauvignon 2023 from Le Monde features classic notes of sage, boxwood, tomato leaf, and green bell pepper, refreshing the palate and finishing with a mentholated and balsamic touch. Vigneti Le Monde, founded in 1970 at Villa Giustinian di Portobuffolè, was acquired by Alex Maccan in 2008 and has since become a leading Friuli winery. Its gravelly clay soils and 30-year-old vines contribute to exceptional wines, with low yields ensuring quality. Three wines reaching the final round is a great achievement for any winery but no surprise for Le Monde.
The Sauvignon 2023 from Gradis’ciutta is citrusy, dynamic, and fragrant, with a perfect balance of acidity and fruit pulp, complemented by a balsamic undertone. Robert Princic founded Gradis’ciutta in 1997 after studying oenology and joining his father Isidoro in running the family business. The Princic family has been making wine since 1780 in Slovenia, before settling in San Floriano del Collio. Their vineyards are spread across various locations and altitudes, with vines ranging from 50 to 90 years old.
The Sauvignon 2023 from Ronco dei Tassi exudes aromas of wild mint and fennel, offering a linear and fragrant taste. Fabio Coser and his wife Daniela founded Ronco dei Tassi in 1989, acquiring an estate on the edge of a natural park near Cormòns. They named the winery after the badger colonies inhabiting the surrounding forests. Their sons Matteo and Enrico are now an integral part of the business.
The Sauvignon 2023 from Ferruccio Sgubin is highly varietal, showcasing aromas of lychee and green apple. Founded in 1960, the winery has been passed down to Gianni Sgubin, who has made bold and successful decisions. The next generation, Marco and Margherita, are now preparing to take over.
The Sauvignon Lovian 2022 from Polje presents fascinating aromas of white peach, sour cherry, lime, bergamot, and sea breeze, with a fresh, savoury, and well-balanced palate. Polje was founded by brothers Luigi and Stefano Sutto in the early 2000s after acquiring a historic winery in Cormòns (established in 1926). The winery’s name is inspired by the karstic sinkholes (polje) characteristic of the region.
The Sauvignon 2023 from Castello di Buttrio stands out for its freshness and fragrance, with prominent lychee and lime notes. Marco Felluga purchased the estate in 1994, transforming it into a winery before passing it to his daughter Alessandra. With careful restoration, she revived the historic estate, and the wines continue to flourish under the enthusiasm of the new generation and Donato Lanati’s expertise.
The Sauvignon Orsone 2023 from Bastianich showcases classic varietal aromas of boxwood, tomato leaf, and grapefruit, with a bold, citrus-driven palate. Joe Bastianich, descendant of an Istrian family, returned to Italy after years in the US restaurant industry to establish his winery.
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