Friuli’s Authentic Frasche

by letygoeson4, Oct, 2021Food, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Italy, Reviews

Friulian Frasche: A Walk Through Tradition, Food, and Wine in the Countryside

Exploring the Friulian countryside is an experience full of surprises. This is a land that deserves to be discovered slowly, revealing its wonders step by step: new natural trails to explore, charming villages to visit, delicious dishes to taste, and unique experiences to enjoy. Among these, the most enjoyable for me was the delightful “tour of the Frasche.”

I have already told you about the town of San Daniele del Friuli and the goodness of its ham. I must confess to you that Prosciutto del Friuli is not the only ‘greedy excuse’ for loving this land.
There are in fact other amazing gastronomic specialities: for example, Friulian wine?
wine is of great importance: Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Refosco, Ribolla Gialla and Merlot are just some of the wines produced here.

So why not pair samples of prosciutto with good wine? This simple and exquisite combination can be enjoyed in the frasche, catching a hint of country tradition in a truly typical and original setting.

COSA TROVERAI IN QUESTO POST:

What Are “Frasche”?

In Friuli (and perhaps in Lazio), in addition to the traditional osterias, there are particularly welcoming places where you can enjoy a quick bite and a glass of wine. These are called “Frasche.”

The term “frasca” is tied to the seasonal activities of wine producers. A Frasca is a makeshift refreshment spot offering a simple yet evocative atmosphere, embodying the traditional rural spirit of Friuli.

These are often family-run establishments that provide a space to sip wine (usually novello) paired with slices of cheese, salami, or Prosciutto Crudo – a celebration of local food and wine.

The distinguishing feature of a “Frascjie” (Frasca in the Friulian dialect) is a laurel branch placed near a porch or the entrance to these rustic-tasting spots. Some Frasche are quite hidden and known only to local regulars, who are well-versed in their locations and operating times.
If you’re wandering through the hills of Friuli and spot a Frasca, know that a delightful glass of wine and some local treats await you there – even outside typical aperitivo hours.

Visiting a Frasca means stepping into the home of a winemaker or farmer. The offerings are limited but of exceptional quality: bread, wine, cheese, cold cuts, and garden-fresh vegetables – everything sourced locally.
Expect rustic settings, casual service, and paper tablecloths (if there are any at all). The lack of refinement is precisely its charm!

Many Frasche also showcase and sell their products – the same ones you’ll taste during your aperitivo. Prices are another pleasant surprise. For a bottle of wine, a platter of grissini wrapped in San Daniele Prosciutto, and other nibbles, we spent just €7 – and there were four of us!

Because of their low visibility, finding the most beautiful Frasche in the hilly areas of Udine can be quite challenging. Luckily, we had the help of Mr. Elvio, whose infectious friendliness and deep knowledge of the area (without a GPS!) guided us to some of the most authentic and delightful Frasche.
During our afternoon exploration, we visited 4 of them.

….You can imagine how I felt after sampling at least two glasses of wine at each Frasca!

Frasca Agriturismo Dal Tabar

Among the four Frasche we visited, the one I recommend the most is Frasca Agriturismo Dal Tabar in Primulacco (UD). To reach it, you take a small road between two fields, marked by the customary laurel branch and a red spotlight. If the light is on, the Frasca is open!

The setting is idyllic: a farmhouse with a wooden pergola adorned with branches, vine leaves, and bunches of grapes that create a charming outdoor gazebo.

Once there, we sat on stools, using a wine barrel as our table. A bottle of their house wine (likely a Cabernet) promptly arrived, followed by salami, cheese, and some grissini for accompaniment.

The aperitivo is simple and unpretentious, but no less satisfying. You might also be served lightly toasted bread with coppa, lardo, Prosciutto Crudo, homemade pickles, and San Daniele-wrapped grissini.

Discover Friuli Venezia Giulia

While exploring the Friulian countryside, don’t miss the marvelous village of Venzone, entirely rebuilt after the 1976 earthquake using stones recovered from the ruins. Visit Colloredo di Monte Albano with its magnificent castle, and Fagagna, the town of storks. Explore Spilimbergo, the city of mosaics, and of course, indulge in a feast of DOP Prosciutto in San Daniele del Friuli.

Friuli Venezia Giulia offers a perfect blend of food and wine experiences, scenic countryside, and charming traditions like the Friulian Frasche – a must for anyone seeking authenticity and flavor in this beautiful region.