Colli Berici DOC

🇮🇹 Italy

AOC Rare find

Volcanic limestone hills south of Vicenza - home to Italy's only dedicated Carmenere project and indigenous Tai Rosso

Region profile

History

Viticulture since Roman times. DOC September 20, 1973. Count Corinaldi of Lispida introduced Bordeaux varieties late 18th century. Tai Rosso (Grenache) cultivated for centuries, documented distinct local expression. Barbarano Rosso must be 100% Tai Rosso. Inama winery launched Italy's only dedicated Carmenere project (Oratorio di San Lorenzo) to great acclaim (95+ points). Volcanic terroir creates unique expression of international varieties.

Climate
Continental with mild hillside microclimate; 300-400m elevation reduces fog and frost; red clay and basaltic volcanic soils over limestone karst with caves/depressions; excellent drainage, sometimes excessive water scarcity; south of Vicenza, Eugean thermal basin influenced
Signature wines
Inama Oratorio di San Lorenzo (100% Carmenere Riserva, only European Carmenere project, 95+ points), Dal Maso Tai Rosso Riserva (16 months French oak + 9 months bottle), Piovene Porto Godi Thovara Tai Rosso, Costamura, Villa Rigon
What sets it apart
Only European winery with dedicated Carmenere program (Inama); Tai Rosso is Italy's Grenache but completely distinct volcanic terroir expression; Barbarano subzone requires 100% Tai Rosso purity; Count Corinaldi 18th century Bordeaux pioneer; volcanic limestone hills with karst caves

Facts

  • DOC September 20, 1973
  • 830-1,300 hectares DOC-registered (~3,000 total under vine)
  • 28 municipalities in Vicenza province (Barbarano subzone: 6 municipalities)
  • ~49,000 hl (2016)
  • ~1.7 million bottles DOC
  • ~850 growers
  • Tai Rosso Riserva added 2009 harvest