Colli Berici

The wines of the "Colli Berici" Protected Designation of Origin are white, red and spumante, the first also produced in the sparkling, spumante and passito versions, the second in the Riserva and Novello versions, and the third also in the rosé version. The possibility of indicating the "Barbarano" sub-area, attributed to a red wine and its spumante and riserva variants, is provided for. Finally, some Colli Berici wines are made with the following grape varieties: Garganego, Tai, Sauvignon, Pinot bianco, Pinot nero, Pinot grigio, Chardonnay, Manzoni bianco, Tai rosso, Merlot, Cabernet, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet franc, Carmenère.

Grapes

The whites are produced with a minimum of 50% of Garganega grapes, together with those of other non-aromatic white grapes, corresponding to those used for the label specifications. For the Spumante metodo classico, at least 50% of the Chardonnay is used and for the remaining part, white or black Pinot (alone or together). In the red variants, however, there is a minimum 50% of Merlot, in addition to other non-aromatic red grapes, identified as for whites. In wines with a specific grape variety, this must represent 85% of the grapes, while the rest (maximum 15%) is left to other grape varieties with similar berry color. Finally, the wines of the Barbarano sub-area are produced in purity with red Tai grapes.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The Colli Berici white wines, beyond the peculiarities that can be traced with precision in the specification, have common characteristics, such as mineral and floral scents, which on the palate turn out to be fresh and savory. Red wines, on the other hand, have hints of berries, ripe fruit and spices. Also in this case, however, the variety of production gives unique facets.

Grape production area

The Berici Hills are located south of Vicenza and represent the extreme offshoot of the Prealps. They are hilly, with rather small hills and a perfect climate for viticulture.

Specificity and historical notes

The cultivation of vines in the Berici Hills area, although already introduced by the Romans, experienced its true development from the year 1000, thanks to the efforts of landowners, bishops and municipalities.