Northeastern Italy's Friuli-Venezia-Giulia (FVG) region produces very good Sauvignons, Pinot Grigios, and Pinot Biancos, as well as some delightful--and sometimes more serious--whites from native grapes like Ribolla, Malvasia, and Tocai.

This region is also a source of some excellent cooler-climate Cabernets and Merlots as well as a few idiosyncratic red wines worth seeking out. Until recently, Cabernets and Merlots from this part of the country were often excessively vegetal, but today quality-conscious producers are making outstanding, ripe wines.

Friuli-Venezia-Giulia also produces some of Italy's finest sweet white wines: Picolit and Verduzzo. Piccolit is a delicately sweet late-harvest wine reminiscent of acacia, honey, peach, and citrus fruits. Some air-dried examples can be much more concentrated, with date and fig flavors.