Verduzzo

Verduzzo is a white Italian grape that is mainly cultivated in Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The name is used for two (unrelated) grapes, but it is mostly associated with Verduzzo Friulano, which can produce versatile wines of excellent quality.

The other, less common variety is Verduzzo Trevigiano, which is planted around Treviso. Verduzzo Friulano is a versatile grape that can produce a variety of wine styles. It is predominantly vinified into dry and sweet white wines that are often aromatic, complex, and have aging potential.

Dry wines range from light, refreshing and citrusy styles to full-bodied wines with honey-like notes. Sweet late-harvest wines have herbal and honeyed nuances, while passito (semi-dried grapes) tend to attain notes of dried and candied fruit. Sweet styles usually retain freshness and avoid being cloying or overly sweet.

The best expression for sweet Verduzo is in Ramandolo DOCG. Dry wines are a good match with appetizers and fish dishes, and sweet styles make a good match with traditional pastries.