Colli Berici

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The Colli Berici are a gently undulating hill formation with modest elevations of between 300 and 400 metres, formed by tectonic folding and uplift and by widespread volcanic cones.
• The hilly and foothill territory consists almost exclusively of sedimentary calcareous rock formations that have weathered into red clay soils rich in skeletal material.
• Numerous outcrops of basaltic and tuffaceous rocks of volcanic origin are present, giving rise to soils rich in mineral salts.
• Owing to the depressions, cavities, and caves characteristic of karstic-calcareous phenomena, the Colli Berici exhibit good drainage and sometimes a certain scarcity of water, with the lake of Fimon as the only natural basin in the area.
• The microclimate of the Colli Berici features mild temperatures well into autumn, a good diurnal temperature range, and limited annual rainfall of between 500 and 600 mm.

• Cabernet franc grown in the Colli Berici was the first Cabernet to receive DOC status in Italy.
• The appellation combines the native varieties Garganega and Tocai rosso with international varieties introduced from France, in particular from the Bordeaux area, beginning in the early nineteenth century.
• The caves of the Colli Berici were traditionally used to age local wines, as their dark environment and constant, low temperature ensured good preservation.
• Recognition of the Denominazione di Origine Controllata "Colli Berici" by the Italian Ministry dates to 20 September 1973, following a progressive refinement of viticultural techniques from the 1950s onward.

• The metodo classico and metodo classico rosato sparkling wines are refined and fruity, with delicate yeast notes derived from bottle refermentation, and a residual sugar level ranging from extra-brut to demi-sec.

• The soil composition, rich in karstic calcareous skeletal material and mineral salts with high drainage, shapes the structure of the red wines, which display high levels of anthocyanins and tannins alongside notes of ripe fruit and spice.
• The high drainage of the karstic sinkholes and the low annual rainfall limit water availability, restraining the vegetative growth of the vines and ensuring concentrated, high-quality yields.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• Specification (EUR-Lex, single document)
• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PDO-IT-A0450
• Official trade body site — Consorzio di Tutela Chiaretto e Bardolino