Dolegna del Collio lies in the eastern part of the Collio region, between the Judrio stream and the Slovenian border, amidst a landscape of vine-covered hills characterised by slopes that are often south-facing and an agricultural fabric that remains highly distinctive. The terroir derives from ponca, the characteristic flysch formed from marl and sandstone of Eocene and Palaeocene origin: crumbly rocks, rich in mineral components, which break down into well-drained soils and encourage deep root growth.
The climate combines hot but not stifling summers, cold winters and evenly distributed rainfall, whilst the protection afforded by the Julian Pre-Alps mitigates the influence of northerly winds. Daily temperature variations and ventilation help to preserve the grapes’ aromas, acidity and aromatic finesse.
Local viticulture focuses primarily on the great white grape varieties of the Collio: Friulano, Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia Istriana, Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Riesling. The result is wines that combine vigour, savouriness and complexity, ranging from floral and fruity profiles to more developed and structured expressions. There is also no shortage of red wines made from Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Pinot Noir. In the cellar, winemaking involves fermentation in stainless steel, ageing on the lees and, for certain selections, the use of oak or extended maceration. Collio’s long winemaking history completes Dolegna’s identity, where tradition and contemporary sensibility come together in the glass.