Here are the wines from Friuli Venezia Giulia that have been awarded the Tre Bicchieri (Three Glasses), the highest recognition given by the Vini d’Italia guide by Gambero Rosso this year. Of the 25 wines awarded, 24 are white wines.
Friuli Venezia Giulia is an extraordinary land for producing high-quality white wines. The finest wines are mostly produced on the hills forming the stunning landscape protected by the Julian Alps, stretching along the eastern border down to the Adriatic Sea. However, most of the vineyards are located in the vast plains, where much of the land is now dedicated to Glera for Prosecco production.
Friuli Venezia Giulia wines: the whites
Pinot Grigio is the most widely cultivated variety, although it's interesting to note that, despite being the most produced, it is among the least consumed in the region, where the beloved Friulano remains the daily favourite. However, the real phenomenon of recent years has been Ribolla Gialla. In just over a decade, its vineyards and production have increased tenfold. With its rich acidity, Ribolla Gialla produces excellent still wines, superb sparkling wines, and remarkable wines when sourced from exceptional terroirs like the Collio. In the area bordering Slovenia, it's still treated with ancestral methods and subjected to long periods of skin maceration. The result is deeply coloured wines, intriguing on the nose and highly engaging on the palate.
Regarding Pinot Grigio, there’s also a growing trend among many producers to return to the traditional “coppery” appearance, achieved with just a few hours of skin contact, expressing unique and unmistakable varietal characteristics. The production of *Pinot Nero* is also growing exponentially, particularly in response to demand from Prosecco producers for the rosé version.
Friuli Venezia Giulia wines: the reds
When it comes to red wines, Refosco is a must-mention, as it’s the most widespread native variety in the region, along with Schioppettino, which has found its ideal habitat in the Prepotto area. Pignolo and Tazzelenghe are rare and precious gems, but it’s always the white wines that best express the region’s terroir and win the most awards.
Tre Bicchieri 2025 of Friuli Venezia Giulia: awarded wines
The wines awarded Tre Bicchieri in the 2025 edition of Gambero Rosso’s Vini d’Italia guide number 25, with only one red among them: the excellent Schioppettino ’21 by Teresa Raiz from the Colli Orientali.