Collio and Carso represent two complementary wine-growing landscapes in Friuli Venezia Giulia, united by their border location and a strong regional identity. Collio consists of a system of hills facing the plain and sheltered by the Julian Alps, with the moderating influence of the Adriatic Sea. The climate features hot but breezy summers, cool winters and a significant daily temperature range – conditions that favour slow ripening and the natural preservation of the grapes’ freshness.
The geological character of Collio is linked to ‘ponca’, a type of flysch formed from marl and sandstone of Eocene origin, which crumbles easily and is rich in minerals. The vineyards follow the contours of the ‘ronchi’ (terraced slopes) and terraces, often tended with artisanal care. Here, varieties such as Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Riesling and Traminer find their expression, alongside red grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Nero. The white wines are distinguished by their structure, savouriness, aromatic clarity and potential for ageing; alongside the fresher, more fragrant styles, there are versions produced through maceration, oak ageing and regional cuvées.
The Karst, on the other hand, is a limestone plateau characterised by sinkholes, exposed rock and red soil, suspended between the sea and the hinterland. The Bora wind, constant breezes and limited water availability necessitate viticulture that respects natural rhythms, often practised on small plots and terraced vineyards. Vitovska, Istrian Malvasia, Terrano and Refosco are the most representative varieties, alongside Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Glera, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Winemaking techniques can highlight both the precision of fresh, mineral-driven whites and the complexity of long macerations, with ageing in steel, wood or traditional vessels. The result is a mosaic of wines that are briny, austere, profound and distinctive, in which geology, wind and rural heritage remain ever evident.