The Berici Hills, centrally located with respect to the more famous Euganean Hills and the Lessinia Mountains, represent a hilly formation of modest heights (300-400 metres above sea level) located in the area furthest south of Vicenza, whose reliefs have originated from tectonic rifts and uplifts and widespread volcanic cones. Here, amidst villas, villages, hermitages and convents, the cultivation of vines is lost in the mists of time, at least since the 13th century, thanks also to special soil and climatic conditions. The limestone rock, red clay and basaltic soils of volcanic origin, the altitude that keeps fog and late frosts away, and the reduced frequency of rainfall are the environmental aspects that determine the distinct personality of the wines produced here.
The land of Tai Rosso (but not only)
Of the 3,000 hectares under vine in the Berici Hills, 72% are red grapes.
The trend for some years saw a focus on Merlot and Carmenere, while today the horizon frames organic. There is also great ferment regarding natural wines and resistant vines. This territory, it should be emphasised, is scarcely anthropised and 50% wooded, a morphology that represents a natural protection for the vineyards. An "isolation" that allows for autonomous work, favouring experimentation and creativity.
On this front, a great deal of redevelopment work has been done for Tai Rosso, an indigenous vine from the Berici Hills. Its genetic nature is that of Sardinian Cannonau, French Grenache and Spanish Garnacha, but in the Vicenza area it has found its own specific identity and typicality. Ruby red in colour and with a broad bouquet with notes of cherry, raspberry, violet and spices, on the palate it develops delicate tannins and an elegant aftertaste of almonds and dog rose. Tai Rosso, which traditionally has always been consumed young, has demonstrated finesse and elegance with ageing, so much so that since the 2009 harvest, Tai Rosso Riserva has been included in the new production regulations.
As for the Garganega (white berry), brought to northern Italy by the Etruscans, it is used for the production of Colli Berici Garganega composed, according to specifications, of at least 50% of this extremely versatile grape that gives rise to wines with a delicate fruity bouquet and a dry, fairly fresh and savoury flavour.
But the Berici Hills are not just about Garganega and Tai Rosso because from the early 19th century onwards, alongside the two indigenous vines, international vines were imported from France, and in particular from the Bordeaux area, which, planted in the Berici Hills, have over time developed special characteristics in relation to the soil and climate. The Cabernet Franc of the Berici Hills was the first DOC Cabernet in Italy, but in the area today it is not difficult to find great wines based on Sauvignon, Pinot Bianco, Chardonnay, Merlot, Pinot Nero, Cabernet Sauvignon and Carmenère. Of the latter variety, the Berici Hills area has the largest vineyard in Italy.
The Vicenza area, on the other hand, is characterised above all by the production of white wines, especially Pinot Grigio and the characteristic Incrocio Manzoni bianco.
The Consortium, two in one
On 20 September 1973 came the recognition by the Italian Ministry of the Colli Berici Controlled Denomination of Origin, while the establishment of the Voluntary Consortium for the Protection of Colli Berici Doc Wines dates back to 1982. The fame of the area's wines and Colli Berici is due both to the skills of the wine producers of the Colli Berici appellation and to the commitment and synergies between wineries, wine producers, distilleries, oil mills, agritourism, bed & breakfasts, trattorias and restaurants, which work in synergy to enhance the quality and renown of Colli Berici wines, while respecting the territory and landscape context. Until 2011, there were two organisations in the area: the Consorzio Tutela Vini Doc Colli Berici and the Consorzio Tutela Vini Vicenza Doc, each independent in the promotion of its own denomination. Then, the decision to merge into a single consortium recognised by Masaf. The Consorzio Tutela Vini Colli Berici e Vicenza (Consortium for the Protection of Berici and Vicenza Hills Wines) is committed to the promotion, information and protection of the wines of its 34 member companies through the organisation of events and participation in manifestations, the safeguard and defence of the denomination, and the training of members through workshops and incoming events. Many events are organised during the year, but the most important is certainly Gustus, three days to tell the story of the DOC wines of the Berici Hills and Vicenza, usually scheduled in October, with a programme that unfolds between guided tastings, gastronomic tastings, and meetings with producers (info on http://gustus.stradavinicolliberici.it/).
On 23 March 2018, the Enoteca dei Colli Berici was opened to the public in the 16th-century Palazzo Pisani in Lonigo (VI), a project strongly supported by the members of the denomination and aimed at a complete valorisation of the territory, in its tourist and food and wine aspects. The space accommodates up to 50 people for meetings, tastings and training courses centred on the wines of the Berici Hills and is also home to the tourist information and reception office. One more step in the valorisation of the Berici Hills and Vicenza denomination, which still remains somewhat in the background of the Veneto wine scene, even to the sound of hashtags such as the one launched by the consortium: #bericirock.
WHITE WINES
Colli Berici Garganega
Colour: pale golden straw yellow;
Aroma: slightly vinous with delicate characteristic aroma;
Taste: dry, delicately bitterish, medium-bodied with the right acidity, harmonious;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Accompaniment: one of the pearls of this D.O.C. is the Garganego: the grapes with which it is made come for the most part from the vines of the same name. It is sweetened by the presence of Trebbiano di Soave, which refines its taste and aroma. In addition to the whole meal, it is excellent as an aperitif, but especially with cod and fish dishes (eel, pike).
Colli Berici Tai
Colour: straw yellow;
Aroma: delicately vinous;
Taste: dry, harmonious, fresh, full-bodied;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 11% vol;
Serving suggestions: obtained from grapes of the vine of the same name, with the possibility of a modest quantity of Garganega, it is excellent with vegetable soups, fish dishes, eggs and asparagus or as an aperitif.
Colli Berici Sauvignon
Colour: straw yellow;
Aroma: delicate, characteristic;
Taste: dry, harmonious, fresh, full-bodied;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: Sauvignon, the only D.O.C. in the Veneto together with that of Lison-Pramaggiore, re-proposes the characteristics of the grapes of the same name, cultivated for a long time in the Berici area with undoubted success. A wine of great character, to be drunk in company, it prefers fish hors d'oeuvres, soufflés and velvety creams, boiled or baked fish.
Colli Berici Pinot Bianco
Colour: pale straw-coloured white;
Aroma: delicately intense characteristic;
Taste: harmonic, full, velvety;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 11% vol;
Serving suggestions: obtained from the Pinot Grigio grape variety of the same name, it is a fine white wine, to be served fresh, ideal with fish, especially with shellfish and crustaceans.
Colli Berici Chardonnay
Colour: straw yellow with greenish reflections;
Aroma: delicate, characteristic, fine pleasant;
Taste: dry, harmonious, smooth, characteristic;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: an international vine of great value, it has also found ideal environments in the Vicentino area to express its high quality. Vinified on its own or with modest quantities of Pinot Bianco, it is excellent as an aperitif and accompanied by light meats or fish dishes.
Colli Berici Spumante
Colour: straw yellow, more or less clear, brilliant;
Aroma: pleasant and fruity;
Taste: from brut to demisec or abboccato; fresh, fine, harmonic;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11.5% vol;
Serving suggestions: obtained from the sparkling process in autoclaves of the base wine, it is a sparkling wine that lends itself very well as an aperitif or with traditional Veneto pastries.
Vicenza Chardonnay
Colour: straw yellow with greenish reflections;
Aroma: delicate, characteristic, fine, pleasant;
Taste: dry, harmonic;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: Appetizers, grilled fish, fish risotto.
Vicenza Garganega
Colour: straw yellow;
Aroma: slightly vinous, with delicate characteristic aroma;
Taste: dry, delicately bitterish, medium-bodied and with the right acidity;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: fish dishes, rice.
Vicenza Riesling
Colour: straw yellow with greenish reflections;
Aroma: delicate, fruity, characteristic;
Taste: dry, characteristic;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: Appetisers, shellfish, soups, fish dishes.
Vicenza Sauvignon
Colour: more or less intense straw yellow;
Aroma: delicate, tending to aromatic;
Taste: dry, fresh, harmonious, characteristic;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: aperitifs, soups, fish.
Vicenza Incrozio Manzoni Bianco
Colour: pale straw-coloured white with greenish reflections;
Aroma: delicately intense, characteristic;
Taste: harmonic, full;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: fresh cheeses, rice, fish.
Vicenza Pinot Bianco
Colour: pale straw yellow;
Aroma: delicately intense;
Taste: harmonic, full, velvety;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: fish, vegetable soups.
Vicenza Pinot Grigio
Colour: straw to golden yellow, sometimes with copper reflections;
Aroma: delicate, pleasant;
Taste: dry, harmonious, and velvety;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: soups, egg and fish dishes.
Vicenza Chardonnay Spumante
Colour: brilliant straw yellow more or less intense;
Aroma: delicate, characteristic;
Taste: dry, fine, fruity;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: aperitif, dessert, fish dishes;
Special notes: elaborate in the following types: extra brut, brut, extra dry, dry or demi sec.
Vicenza Garganego Spumante
Colour: brilliant straw yellow more or less intense;
Aroma: pleasant, characteristic;
Taste: savoury, harmonious;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Accompaniments: aperitifs, desserts, fish dishes;
Special notes: elaborated in the following types: extra brut, brut, extra dry, dry or demi sec.
Vicenza Moscato
Colour: more or less intense straw yellow;
Aroma: intense and characteristic, fruity, of apple and citrus fruits;
Taste: from amabile to sweet, fresh and rather aromatic;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: puff pastry, focaccia and fruit tarts, dry pastries, biscuits.
Vicenza Moscato Spumante
Colour: brilliant straw yellow;
Aroma: pleasant, characteristic;
Taste: dry to sweet, fruity;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Accompaniments: Dry cakes, biscuits, tarts;
Perlage: fine, fine-grained and persistent;
Vicenza Passito
Colour: straw yellow to golden yellow;
Aroma: characteristic of raisin wine, fine, pleasant;
Taste: amabile or sweet, harmonious;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 13% vol;
Pairings: meditation wine, dry biscuits, nuts, blue cheeses.
RED WINES
Colli Berici Merlot
Colour: ruby red;
Aroma: vinous, pleasantly intense, characteristic;
Taste: soft, harmonious, full-bodied;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: widespread since the last century in our hilly and non-hilly areas, the Merlot dei Colli Berici re-proposes the noble characteristics of this vine. A complete wine, also to be drunk outside meals, it goes well with roast white and red meats, poultry, rabbit.
Colli Berici Tai Rosso
Colour: ruby red, not very intense;
Aroma: vinous, intense, characteristic;
Taste: pleasant, a little bitterish, harmonious, rightly tannic;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: Tai Rosso, to which an itinerary around the Berici is also dedicated, comes from a vine that has found a suitable area and a particular characterisation in the Vicenza area. A noble wine for the whole meal, it prefers demanding first courses, the finest cured meats, excellent with raw ham, noble poultry, sometimes with ‘polenta e baccalà’ (polenta and cod).
Colli Berici Barbarano
Colour: ruby red, not very intense;
Aroma: vinous, intense, characteristic;
Taste: pleasant, slightly bitterish, harmonious, rightly tannic;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11.5% vol;
Pairings: it differs from Tai Rosso in the origin of its grapes, which are grown in a restricted, hilly and well-defined area, i.e. in the area with the oldest tradition of production, in the municipality of Barbarano and neighbouring ones. It differs for its more pronounced floral fragrance, typical of the variety, higher alcohol content and structure.
Colli Berici Cabernet
Colour: deep ruby red, tending towards orange with ageing;
Aroma: pleasantly intense, characteristic;
Taste: dry, robust, rightly tannic;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: Obtained from Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon vines, alone or together, if aged for three years, it can bear the term Riserva. It goes well with risottos, braised meats and mature cheeses.
Vicenza Cabernet e Cabernet Sauvignon
Colour: deep ruby red tending to garnet;
Aroma: pleasant, intense, characteristic;
Taste: dry, characteristic;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 11% vol., 12% vol. in the Riserva version;
Pairings: semi-hard cheeses, cured meats, hors d'oeuvres.
Vicenza Merlot
Colour: ruby red;
Aroma: vinous, pleasantly intense, characteristic;
Taste: harmonious, soft;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 11% vol., 12% vol. in the Riserva version;
Pairings: semi-hard cheeses, cured meats, roasts, stewed meats.
Vicenza Pinot Nero
Colour: ruby red;
Nose: delicate aroma;
Taste: dry, sapid;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 11% vol.; 12% vol. in the Riserva version;
Pairings: roasts, sheep and pork meats.
Vicenza Raboso
Colour: more or less intense ruby red, sometimes with violet reflections;
Bouquet: vinous, pleasantly intense, characteristic;
Taste: harmonious, full-bodied;
Minimum total alcohol content by volume: 10.5% vol., 11.5% vol. in the Riserva version;
Pairings: pasta with meat sauce, roasts, braised meats, game, mature cheeses.
Vicenza Novello
Colour: ruby red at times with violet reflections;
Bouquet: vinous, intense, fruity;
Taste: round, savoury, soft;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Pairings: autumn dishes, sausages, white meats, dried fruit.
Vicenza Rosso
Colour: more or less intense ruby red;
Aroma: vinous, characteristic, of small fruits;
Taste: dry, harmonious, robust, full-bodied, rightly tannic, with or without the pleasant presence of wood;
Minimum total alcoholic strength by volume: 11% vol;
Recommended pairings: Meat dishes in general, baked or grilled, cured meats and sausages, aged cheeses.
