Italian wines continue to amaze me with their diversity and unique native grapes that create distinctive nuances. An Italian wine professor I had once said that Italy is the newest-oldest producer of wine, and I can’t think of a better definition, especially when re-discovering a region that I thought I knew -Fruili Venezia Giulia—but there is more to it.
Recently, I had the pleasure of diving deep into the world of Collio DOC at a tasting hosted at Corbuzz Wine Bar in Manhattan. This region is in the northeastern corner of Italy, bordering Slovenia. Little did I know that Collio DOC is renowned for its elegant, crisp, mineral white wines. As I was tasting through the selection at Corkbuzz, I couldn’t help but think of Collio DOC—where have you been all this time!?
Although it produces some noteworthy reds, we focused on its balanced but extra-crisp whites. Moreover, I truly fell in love with their minerality. I often seek crisp and minerality characteristics in my whites, as they are my personal favorite style to pair with seafood. The tasting was a fantastic opportunity to explore the unique character of these wines, shaped by the region’s distinct terroir and winemaking traditions.
Collio, also known as Collio Goriziano, benefits from a unique microclimate, as noted in WineTraveler; the Adriatic Sea and the Julian Alps influence the region. The wine region of Collio, in Fruili Venezia Giulia, is a half-moon of sweet sunny slopes located in the province of Gorizia, enclosed between the rivers Judrio and Isonzo.
Warm breezes from the sea moderate temperatures, while the mountains provide shelter from harsh weather. The soil, known as “Ponca,” is a mix of marl and sandstone, lending a distinctive minerality to the wines. This combination of factors creates ideal conditions for a variety of grapes to thrive, including:
White Grapes: Friulano ( also known regionally as Sauvignonasse), Ribolla Gialla, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Bianco
Red Grapes: Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon
As I mentioned, Collio is best known for its white wines, characterized by their elegance, complexity, and refreshing acidity.
The true essence and soul of the territory is Collio Bianco. It is the characteristic blend of Collio, in which each winery expresses its own interpretation of the territory and highlights the features of the terroir. Every producer has a unique style of making this white blend, which generates from different traditions, experiences and experimentation in order for Collio Bianco to become the top-class wine of the production.
The blend can be made of grapes belonging to one or more white varieties (included in the Collio DOC production regulation) with the exception of the aromatic varieties Müller Thurgau and Traminer aromatico, which can only be used at up to a maximum of 15% of the total.
Each and every Collio Bianco is a surprise.
On the single varietal wines for instance, Friulano, the local name for Sauvignonasse, is a shinning star, producing aromatic wines with notes of citrus, herbs, and a distinct minerality.
Ribolla Gialla offers another unique expression with its delicate floral aromas and crisp acidity. Pinot Grigio from Collio often displays more depth and complexity than its counterparts from other regions, with pear, apple, and almond notes.
Pinot Bianco thrives in this terroir, producing wines with the perfect balance of fruit and acidity. These wines often show notes of green apple, citrus blossom, and subtle almond nuances. While less common than Friulano, Sauvignon Blanc offers a vibrant expression with its characteristic grassy notes, gooseberry flavors, and refreshing minerality.
Less common but also available the Sauvignon from the area is a refined style
The production of red wines in Collio DOC feature mainly noble grapes and Pinot Nero. Merlot is the most widely planted red grape. Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon are also grown and often blended with Merlot to add structure and complexity. These red wines go thorugh agging in oak, resulting in a well-rounded and age-worthy expression.
My experience at the Collio DOC tasting in Manhattan was a true delight. Each white wine spoke to me and made me hungry. I couldn’t help but think about pairing them with my Mediterranean diet. Of course, my husband would love it with a roasted chicken Barefoot Contessa style, spinach al olio, and garlic. Their minerality makes them perfect when I think about pairing them with seabass, robalo, and even sushi. If you’re interested in discovering hidden gems of Italian wines, I highly recommend exploring the wines of Collio.
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
