Wine and dine in Friuli Venezia Giulia Tradition and the culture of the taj

I find myself in the most beautiful Venetian-style square in the world (at least on firm land): Piazza della Libertà in Udine.

I have walked across it thousands of times and spent many hours between the Loggia del Lionello and the stairs leading to the Castle of Udine. Just as have all the residents of Udine and Friuli, young and old, who have the historic centre of Udine as a reference point in which to meet friends.

Piazza del vino, as it was called until 1350, when it changed its name and became piazza del comune, before changing its name again several times over the centuries.

This place could not have had a better name. For wine is an element that strongly characterises and binds Friulians to their land. And it is precisely here in Udine, and particularly in the town centre, that a beloved tradition is repeated every day: the ritual of the tajùt.

The Taj (or ‘taglio’, cut) is a term that derives from an ancient habit of “cutting” low-strength wines with other more full-bodied ones. Today, when one enters one of the many bars that enliven the historic centre, and we ask for a “taj”, we are served a glass of wine, which can be “blanc or neri”, according to our taste, and that here is consumed at all hours. Accompanied often by some typical products such as San Daniele ham, and tasty local cheeses, it is the undisputed star of Friulian bars. But here’s a curious detail: if you decide to go and visit the beautiful city of Trieste and order a “nero” at the bar, you will be given an espresso coffee. In the Julian capital, coffee is an art! (http://www.fvglivexperience.it/2017/10/11/trieste-la-sua-coffee-experience/)

Returning to Udine; I love the old town very much and although I am not from Friuli, I soon learned to appreciate this tradition. It’s a simple and ancient way to spend some time with friends. And I think that there is no better way, especially for a tourist, to enjoy the territory to the full with the locals, tasting local products, surrounded by the architectural beauties of the fine city of Udine.

Have you ever  tasted Friulian wine? Did you like it and want to find out where and how it is produced? Why not try it directly in the vineyards?

Wine and other typical products such as hams, cheeses and much more today are the protagonists of the “Wine and dine route”. This itinerary accompanies us throughout the region on a voyage of discovery of the wineries and more, showing us closely how and where the excellence of this area is born, in direct contact with the real protagonists of the land, the producers.

This is an experience to be enjoyed without haste, just like when you have an excellent taj de vin!