Colli Berici

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• Colli Berici: a pre-Alpine hill formation with elevations of 300–400 m, shaped by tectonic folding and volcanic cones.
• Dominant soils: red argille over a sedimentary calcare substrate, with basaltic and tufacei outcrops rich in mineral salts.
• Calcareous karst features (depressions, cavities, caves) ensure good natural drainage but occasionally cause water stress.
• Mild microclimate through late autumn, good diurnal temperature variation, and limited rainfall (500–600 mm/year).
• Hill elevations protect against fog and late frosts, enhancing sun exposure during the key ripening months.

• Tocai Rosso is related to Grenache/Garnacha: the vines were brought from Avignon by the Canons of Barbarano in the 14th century.

• Calcareous soils with red argille and stony skeleton, combined with basaltic and tufacei outcrops, impart a distinctive mineral richness to the wines.

Facts drawn from the cahier's terroir-link section (Lien au terroir) by automatic interpretation — see the source.

Sources

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