The territorial area of Friuli Colli Orientali was defined in 1970 with the approval of the production regulations of the Colli Orientali of Friuli DOC at that time. It includes the entire area of hills in the eastern part of the province of Udine, which, starting from the north, covers the territories of the municipalities of Tarcento, Nimis, Povoletto, Attimis, Faedis, Torreano, the eastern part of Cividale, San Pietro al Natisone and Prepotto. It then continues (south-westwards) to Premariacco, Buttrio, Manzano, San Giovanni al Natisone and Corno di Rosazzo.
These hills are situated at an altitude of between 100 and 350 metres asl, and have the same climatic conditions and geological origin. In ancient times (about 35-55 million years ago), the plain of Friuli was invaded by the sea and the coasts were very close to the current Julian Pre-Alps. Over the millennia, at the bottom of this archaic lagoon a slow process of sedimentation took place that gave rise to impressive formations that emerged from the waters when the sea retreated. Today, these deposits of Eocene origin are in the form of alternating layers of marls (calcareous clays) and sandstone (calcified sand) with a very typical appearance. These soils are exceptionally suited to viticulture due to their location and composition.
Over the centuries, the profile of the slopes has been shaped by the work of generations of vine-growers. Visitors are attracted to the steps and terraces planted with vines but they often admire the large wooded areas and look beyond the plain to the glistening sea on the horizon.
This is the best geographical location for viticulture, with the Julian Alps behind that protect vines against cold northerly winds, and the Adriatic Sea before them to ensure beneficial and continuous ventilation.
Within the region, countless microclimates exist: cooler and wetter in the north close to the mountains; milder and drier in the south where, just like twenty centuries ago, not only vines but also olive trees, the silent testimony of ancient farming traditions, grow and bear fruit.
