ITS FOOD & DRINK
The region's eno-gastronomic traditions take root in three great cultures: Slavic, Mitteleuropean and Venetian. Meats, dairy products, sausages and legumes are the basis of Friuli's savoury cuisine, relying on simple recipes and genuine products, which restaurants throughout the provinces of Udine and Pordenone have valorised so well. The regional gastronomy of Carnia provides its own special appeal, savoury and rigorously seasonal, drawing on creativity to make the most of the mountain's humble and genuine ingredients, particularly its herbs and grazing products. There can be no mention of food products from Friuli Venezia Giulia without a reference to Prosciutto San Daniele, renowned and exported the world over, or the cheese of Montasio, whose authenticity is guaranteed by a brand of origin and quality, and the typical frico [a potato, onion and cheese fricasse]. First among the sausage meat products, which are still hand crafted by many sausage makers, are the salami, soppresse, salsicce and musot (pork trotter often accompanied by brovada), while sweets include gubana and strucoli from the Valleys of Natisone. As for the region's wine-making, variety and quality are the key elements, with as many as eight areas bearing the DOC mark ['denominazione di origine controllata'], providing a panoply of excellent wines, among which are the precious and rare Picolit, and Ramandolo. Robust reds and fragrant whites lend themselves well to the savoury refined dishes of the local and international gastronomy. Also renowned are a variety of wine distillates, headed by grappa (including several fine single-vine products), from the more traditional to those flavoured with herbs, and various wild berries.
ITS SIGHTS
In Friuli Venezia Giulia you can live and partake in mountain life in a natural and direct manner, one that is fulfilling in every respect: from sports to contact with its people, indissolubly tied to their traditions and extraordinarily hospitable. Those wishing to approach winter sports activities by degrees can do so under the aegis of expert instructors. And there are countless opportunities for nature lovers seeking the silence of snow muffled scenery on cross-country ski trails and along riveting Alpine ski itineraries. Piancavallo and Forni di Sopra in the eastern Dolomites, Zoncolan and Sauris in Carnia, Sella Nevea and Tarvisiano in the Julian Alps, all are well known to skiing aficionados of all levels and abilities. The region is also home to some of the vastest forests conserved in Europe, counting numerous parks and nature reserves, populated by chamois, ibex and predatory birds. Alpine pastures, protected areas, small lakes at high altitudes, rocky cliffs and wild forests are only some of the faces presented by the natural surroundings in the mountains of Friuli. Sports and open-air enthusiasts can partake in unforgettable experiences, mountain climbing, hiking, sky-diving, gliding and delta-planing, as well as golf and fishing, canoeing and windsurfing on the region's streams and crystalline lakes. Not to mention mountain-biking or excursion trails for trekkers, both on foot and horseback. The mountains of Friuli offer spectacular views of typical towns perched on the slopes, surrounded by verdant pastures and nestled around austerely graceful small churches enlivened by the vivacious atmosphere of countless traditional and folkloristic feasts. |
