Collio and its wines

The Collio, in north-eastern Italy, in the region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, is one of the country's most prestigious and renowned wine areas. This land of gentle hills stretching to the Slovenian border is famous for its elegant white wines, complex and mineral, but also for refined, long-lived reds.With its unique terroir and ideal climate, the Collio is the beating heart of Friulian wine production, able to combine tradition and innovation.

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Geography and Landscape of the Collio

The area of the Collio is in the province of Gorizia and takes in the municipalities of Cormòns, Capriva del Friuli, Farra d'Isonzo, San Floriano del Collio and others, right up to the Slovenian border.

Terroir

• Rolling hills: With vineyards facing south-east, ideal for capturing the sunlight.
• Ponca: A unique soil of layered marl and sandstone, rich in minerals and perfect for growing vines.
• Moderate altitudes: The vineyards lie between 100 and 300 metres above sea level.

Climate

• A mild, breezy climate: Influenced by the Julian Alps to the north, which shelter it from cold winds, and by the Adriatic Sea to the south, which tempers the temperatures.
• Temperature swings: They encourage the aromatic development of the grapes and the preservation of acidity.

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Grape Varieties Grown in the Collio

White Grape Varieties (Leading Players in the Collio)

• Friulano: A symbol of the region, fresh and mineral, with a light almond note.
• Ribolla Gialla: Fresh and savoury, perfect for sparkling wines and whites with character.
• Malvasia Istriana: Aromatic, with notes of flowers and citrus.
• Sauvignon Blanc: It expresses aromatic intensity and freshness.
• Chardonnay: Elegant and versatile, often aged in wood.
• Pinot Grigio: Structured, with aromas of ripe fruit and white flowers.

Black Grape Varieties

• Merlot: Soft and fruity, often aged in wood.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Structured and complex.
• Cabernet Franc: Fresh, with herbaceous notes.
• Pinot Nero: Elegant and delicate, with good ageing potential.

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Wine Styles of the Collio

1. Dry White Wines

• Fresh and mineral: Ideal for expressing the unique terroir of the Collio.
• Structured and long-lived: Aged in stainless steel or wood, perfect for laying down.

2. Red Wines

• Soft and fruity: Ready to drink, often from Merlot.
• Structured and complex: With wood ageing, to express depth and character.

3. Orange Wines

• White wines macerated on the skins, made from grape varieties such as Ribolla Gialla, with complex aromas and spicy notes.

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Winemaking Techniques in the Collio

• Temperature-controlled fermentation: To preserve aromas and freshness.
• Pre-fermentation maceration: Used for whites and orange wines.
• Ageing in stainless steel or wood: For fresh wines or more complex, structured ones.
• Sparkling winemaking: Ribolla Gialla and other grape varieties are used to produce traditional method and Charmat sparkling wines.

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Sensory Characteristics of Collio Wines

White Wines

• Colour: Bright straw yellow, with greenish or golden highlights.
• Aromas: Citrus, green apple, white flowers, aromatic herbs.
• Palate: Fresh, savoury, with well-balanced acidity and long persistence.

Red Wines

• Colour: Deep ruby red, with garnet highlights in the aged wines.
• Aromas: Red fruits, sweet spices, light herbaceous notes.
• Palate: Soft, balanced, with elegant tannins.

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Appellations and Awards

Collio DOC

The area's main appellation, covering all the wines produced in the district from local and international grape varieties. Collio DOC wines are a byword for quality and respect for the terroir.

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Food Pairings

The wines of the Collio pair perfectly with local and international cuisine.

White Wines

• Raw fish and seafood carpaccio.
• Pasta first courses or risottos with herbs or seafood.
• Fresh cheeses and savoury tarts.

Red Wines

• White meat and light roasts.
• Friulian cured meats and aged cheeses.
• Pulse and vegetable soups.

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Why Choose a Wine from the Collio?

Choosing a wine from the Collio means immersing yourself in a unique area, where tradition, innovation and nature come together to create extraordinary wines. Whether a fresh, mineral white, a structured red or a complex orange wine, the wines of Collio represent the best of Friulian and Italian winemaking.