Collio is that “DOC”area with a Controlled Designation of Origin that extends through the northern hilly belt of Gorizia province, close to the state border with Slovenia, which includes about 1,400 hectares of specialized vineyards.
The soils consist of stratified marls and sandstones of oceanic origin, brought to the surface by uplifting the seabed in ancient times.
These marls easily disintegrate under the action of atmospheric agents, first producing a coarse, then granular and finally very fine loam, creating in the space of a few seasons a ideal terrain for viticulture.
This situation has favoured the vine cultivation, which was introduced to the area as early as pre-Roman times and later spread during the times of the ancient Roman Empire.
Wines that have been known and sought after since time immemorial by the ancient courts of Europe, and particularly by the Serenissima Republic and the Habsburg imperial court, which long fought over these lands.
Modern viticulture began in Collio in the second half of the last century, with the introduction of prized French and German wine grape varieties, which replaced some older, less interesting local varieties.
A decisive milestone for viticulture in Collio is represented by the Decree of the President of the Republic of 24 May 1968, by which these wines were recognised as Denominazione di Origine Controllata.