Friuli Venezia Giulia

The region is situated in Italy’s northeast and borders Slovenia and Austria.

Friuli Venezia Giulia overlooks the Adriatic Sea and is surrounded by high mountains, enclosing many different landscapes.

The cooking traditions are influenced by the Slavic, central European and Venetian cultures. The cuisine relies on simple recipes and genuine ingredients.

The most important typical product of the region is Prosciutto of San Daniele.

Other typical dishes of the area are polenta or “porcina”.

The dishes of the area are accompanied by red but mainly white wines. Can mention Refosco, Malvasia, Friulano, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc and Ribolla.

Venica & Venica

Venica & Venica has been established in 1930. It is still a family-owned estate with 28 hectares of vines in Collio, near the Slovenian border.

Today the winery is one of Friuli’s most famous and respected estates. It is well-known for making highly textural and aromatic whites that use little to no wood.

Venica & Venica’s vineyards are spread over 7 different hills. They are located from 300-400 meters above sea level — each with its own distinct micro-climate.

This great terroir provides unique characteristics to each of the vines and creates a wine of great complexity.

Puglia

Puglia, also known as Apulia, is in the south of Italy; the heel of Italy’s boot.
The region is becoming increasingly popular as travellers discover the area’s varied charms: baroque towns, white-washed trullo houses, olive groves and orchards, blue sea and beaches, plenty of sunshine and excellent wines & cuisine.
Some of the best values Italian wine come from this sunny, dry region. Most Puglia wine is red, full-bodied. Producers in Puglia have focused on local grapes like Negroamaro, Primitivo, and Bombino Nero.
The two most popular and widely available wines from Puglia are Salice Salentino and Primitivo (the same grape as California’s Zinfandel!).

Varvaglione

Varvaglione was founded in 1921 in Leporano, in the heart of Puglia, at the gates of the splendid Salento. Now in the hands of Cosimo and Maria Teresa Varvaglione, the estate comprises of 150 hectares, focused on indigenous varieties such as Primitivo and Negroamaro.

Working closely with the University of Udine and the University of Rome Tor Vergata to enhance quality, the company has been able to blend the experience of tradition with innovation.