Vinalia x Ronco delle Betulle, Friulano

Nestled in the rolling hills of Friuli’s Rosazzo subzone, Ronco delle Betulle has been crafting organic wines since its founding in 1967 by Giovanbattista Adami. Now led by Ivana Adami and her son Simone Sechi, the estate spans 12 hectares of terraced vineyards dedicated to native varieties like Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, and the rare Pignolo. With a deep respect for tradition and nature, the winery eschews chemicals, opting for sustainable, artisanal methods that honor the land’s rich history, rooted in the ancient Abbey of Rosazzo.

Located in Italy's northeastern corner, Friuli shares borders with Austria and Slovenia and meets the Adriatic Sea at Trieste. The prestigious Colli Orientali hills produce many of the region's finest wines, with several winemakers cultivating vineyards across both Friuli and Slovenia. Renowned primarily for its white wines, Friuli also has a rich tradition of orange wine production, where white grapes ferment on their skins for extended periods. This technique imparts a distinctive tannic structure and complex flavors, setting Friuli's orange wines apart.

One of the great white grapes of Italy’s northeastern Friuli, Friulano makes its name in its namesake region, along with bordering Slovenia. However, it was long mistaken for Sauvignon Blanc in Chile, until DNA testing proved otherwise. Despite having no genetic relation, Friulano does indeed share much of Sauvignon Blanc’s grassy, green flavors. Excellent and ageworthy as a dry, traditional white wine, Friulano is also often fermented on its skins to make for captivating orange wines.