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Colli Berici is a DOC of the Veneto wine region in north-eastern Italy. It covers a wide range of wine styles, including red, white and rosé wines, a foaming Colli Berici Spumante and a vast portfolio of varietal wines.
The cultivation of vines in the Berici Hills dates back to Roman times but developed after the year 1000. Findings show that the entire northern part of the Colli Berici (Berici Hills) was planted with vines since the thirteenth century. The advent of the Venetian Republic gave a strong impetus to start viticulture.
From the early nineteenth century, alongside the two native vines Garganega and Tocai Rosso, international vines were imported from France, particularly from the Bordeaux area, planted in the Berici Hills. Over time, they developed peculiar characteristics about the terrain and climate. Cabernet franc dei Colli Berici was the first Cabernet DOC in Italy.
The recognition of the “Colli Berici” DOC (Controlled Designation of Origin) dates back to 1973. The winemaking practices of DOC Colli Berici wine provide that the maximum yield of grapes into DOC Colli Berici wine must not exceed 70% and 50% for the types of Passito wine; if these parameters are exceeded within the limit of 5%, the excess will not be entitled to the DOC designation.
The spearhead of Beric enology is the Tai Rosso wine which derives from the red Tocai vine, which has the same genetic nature as the Sardinian Cannonau, the French Grenache and the Spanish Garnacha. However, this vine found its own identity in an area suitable for its cultivation in Vicenza. Grown in the area of the oldest tradition, consisting of the Municipality of Barbarano and the neighbouring municipalities, it is identified with the name Barbarano Rosso.
The geographical area dedicated to the production of the Colli Berici DOC wine extends on the slopes of the Berici Mountains located near the Prealps, in an area that is adequately ventilated, bright and favourable to the fulfillment of all the vegetative-productive functions of the vineyards.
The Colli Berici DOC wines are produced in the province of Vicenza and include the territory of the municipalities of Albettone, Alonte, Altavilla, Arcugnano, Barbarano Vicentino, Brendola, Castegnero, Grancona, Mossano, Nanto, Orgiano, San Germano dei Berici, Sovizzo, Villaga, Zovencedo and, in part, the territory of the municipalities of Asigliano Veneto, Campiglia dei Berici, Creazzo, Longare, Lonigo, Montebello Vicentino, Montecchio Maggiore, Montegalda, Montegaldella, Monteviale, Sarego, Sossano and Vicenza.
The Colli Berici (Berici Hills) are part of the most important landscape feature south of Vicenza. They have a wavy profile and modest heights (300-400 meters). The presence of depressions, cavities and caves, typical of the karst-limestone phenomenon, with red clay and basaltic soils of volcanic origin, an altitude that drives away fogs and late frosts, means that the Berici Hills have good drainage that sometimes can cause water scarcity. The morphology of the Hills is also enriched by the presence of hilly terrain alternating with valleys, which gives rise to a very favourable microclimate for the cultivation of vineyards, with particularly mild temperatures until late autumn, a good temperature range between day and night and limited annual precipitation.
Several grape varieties in this region yield both white and red wines. Colli Berici white wines have at least 50% of the Garganega grape at its base, which produces great dry wines, with hints of peach blossom, almond and apricot. Colli Berici red wines have at least 50% of the Merlot grape at its base which produces dry wines and a mild flavour, which is why it is great to combine with other grapes.
The Garganega is an autochthonous variety of the Berici Hills, particularly ductile from an oenological point of view. These hills give rise to still wines of a straw yellow colour with a delicate fruity aroma, with a dry, fairly fresh and savoury flavour.
The white wines of the Berici Hills are characterized by fruity, floral and mineral scents that are quite fresh and savoury on the palate. Among these is Sauvignon, which is fresh, floral and fruity with good flavour, typical notes of pepper and tomato leaves on sensory analysis.
The international black grape varieties give rise in the area of the Berici Hills to red wines with good body and softness with colour ranging from ruby red to garnet, more or less concentrated depending on the micro area of production. The alcohol and polyphenolic content are generally quite high but well balanced in favour of the overall balance.
In particular, Tai Rosso makes the nose perceive primary and varietal aromas, particularly the freshness of red berry fruit and the fragrance of hibiscus flowers: the predominant aromatic notes are those of raspberry and dog rose. The flavour is dry, fresh and soft with hints of berries, spices and an aftertaste of almonds and plums.
Colli Berici DOC wines pair well with delicate appetizers, dry soups and broths based on fish or vegetables, salty but not spicy fish dishes.
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