LATITUDE
LONGITUDE
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Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG, nestled in the picturesque region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia in northeastern Italy, it´s a subzone of the Friuli Colli Orientali DOC, and stands as a testament to the harmony of nature and viticulture. Cradled between the Adriatic Sea and the Julian Alps, it shares a border to the east with another prominent DOCG of Italy: Collio Goriziano. The unique terroir of Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit is characterized by rolling hills, mineral-rich soils, and a delicate balance of sunshine and rainfall, offering an ideal environment for grape cultivation.
The crown jewel of this DOCG is the Picolit grape, a native variety that has thrived here for centuries. Prized for its delicate floral aroma and luscious sweetness, Picolit has carved a niche for itself among the finest dessert wines in the world. The Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG showcases the versatility of this grape in various expressions: the nuanced Bianco, which captures the essence of the region's terroir; the Bianco from the distinguished subzone of Cialla, offering a more concentrated rendition; and the opulent Riserva, an age-worthy wine emanating from the elite vineyards of the Cialla subzone.
Each of these wines, from the lively freshness of Bianco to the depth of the Riserva, narrates the tale of the land, the climate, and the centuries-old bond between the people and the Picolit grape. This DOC Gtruly encapsulates the spirit and tradition of Friulian winemaking.
Vineyard Hectares
WINERIES
GROWING DEGREE DAYS
The Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG is beautifully situated in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeastern Italy. Nestled between the majesty of the Julian Alps to the north and the fertile plains leading to the Adriatic Sea to the south, the appellation boasts a unique and enchanting landscape.
The term "Colli Orientali" translates to "Eastern Hills," and it's these undulating hills that define the region's topography. These hillsides, bathed in sunlight and cooled by mountain breezes, cradle the vineyards, ensuring optimal exposure and microclimates for grape cultivation. The soils here are predominantly marl and sandstone, known locally as "ponca," contributing to the mineral complexity of the wines.
Surrounded by thick forests and interspersed with medieval hamlets, the vineyards of Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG present an almost picture-perfect landscape. The combination of elevation, sloping terrain, and the protective barrier provided by the mountains creates a unique terroir that is both a challenge and a boon for viticulturists. Streams and rivers that snake through the valleys enrich the land, adding to its fertility.
In essence, the Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG is not just a wine-growing region; it's a breathtaking tapestry of nature where vineyards, hills, and forests come together in harmonious beauty, making it one of the most scenic and treasured landscapes in Italy.
The Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG, nestled in northeastern Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region, boasts a climate that expertly melds the continental with the maritime, crafting an idyllic stage for grape cultivation.
Shielded by the Julian Alps to the north, the vineyards enjoy protection from icy northern drafts. Yet, the hallmark of a continental climate remains: crisp, cold winters followed by warm, sunlit summers. This rhythm of hot days and cooler nights during the ripening season ensures grapes mature with a harmonious blend of sugars and acids, imparting wines with a captivating balance of aroma and structure.
But the sea's touch is never far away. The Adriatic Sea to the south graces the region with gentle breezes, offering respite during the hotter months and ensuring grapes mature at a graceful pace. While the maritime influence bestows the land with a moderating embrace, its humidity does pose vineyard challenges, underscoring the importance of meticulous vineyard care.
Rain here doesn't play favorites; it's sprinkled evenly across seasons. However, late summers and early autumns can occasionally wear a heavier cloak of rain, putting vineyard management to the test just before harvest.
In essence, the Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG is a dance of climates, where the warmth of the land waltzes with the coolness of the sea, producing wines that resonate with the heartbeats of both.
Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit has a diverse range of soils that contribute significantly to the character and complexity of its wines. Each soil type lends its own unique qualities to the grapes, and subsequently, the wines. Here's a detailed exploration of the predominant soil types in the region:
The Picolit grape, native to the prestigious Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG in northeastern Italy, is a delicate gem that has stood the test of time. Its petite, yellowish-green berries are not just visually enticing but are also emblematic of the grape's inherent rarity and its rich history in the region. The clusters, often loosely packed due to the grape's inclination towards floral abortion, result in reduced yields but unparalleled concentration and quality.
In the glass, wines made from the Picolit grape often mesmerize with a golden hue, releasing a captivating aromatic bouquet. Enthusiasts and connoisseurs alike are drawn in by its alluring floral notes, intertwined with hints of apricot, honey, and almond. On the palate, its elegance is unrivaled, delivering layers of flavors that echo the nose, with an added touch of citrus and spice. The wine's balanced acidity ensures it never comes across as overly sweet, but rather refreshingly harmonious, leaving a lingering finish that beckons one to relish sip after sip. Truly, the Picolit grape is the embodiment of Friulian viticultural heritage, offering a sensory journey into the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli region.
Colli Orientali del Friuli Picolit DOCG is renowned for producing some of the most distinctive wines in Italy, particularly from the prized Picolit grape. The region offers three distinct expressions: the versatile Bianco, the pure Bianco from the elite subzone of Cialla, and the matured masterpiece, the Riserva, also hailing from Cialla. While the Bianco blend allows for a minimum of 85% Picolit complemented by other non-aromatic white grapes, both the Cialla wines are dedicated 100% to the Picolit grape, underscoring the region's commitment to showcasing the grape's purity.
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