Carso
KARST (DOC)
The word Carso – probably of Celtic origin - means "rocky country" and defines the terrain, full of karst forms, formed by exposed and heavily fractured limestone, that give this corridor, connecting Trieste with the rest of Italy, completely unique character.
The Carso area has two faces - the outer one, exposed to sunlight and the underground one, full of tunnels, cave, gulfs, mine shafts and deep fissures.
This phenomenon is best seen in San Giovanni al Timavo, where visitors can admire the foaming waters of the Timavo River, that come out from under the ground, right next to the carinthian-style church, after traversing 38 kilometers in an underground corridor, in a situation where the total length of the stream is only 95 kilometers.
The name Carso also refers to the Denominazione di Origine Controllata appeal, in which two basic grape varieties are used – Malvasia Istriana oraz Terrano.
The Malvasia strain was most likely imported from Greece and already in the 14th century it allowed to achieve interesting results. Terrano, whereas, is considered a native of Istria. The wine made of this grape variety is often referred to as "Carso's blood" because of its extremely intense red color., which is one of their distinguishing features.
Carso's climate is very characteristic due to the alternating occurrence of very mild aura and periods of violent and harsh weather like the earth itself.. It is high, which is reached in Rupingrande after a steep climb, during which it is necessary to overcome the height 309 meters in just over 100 meters.
The undisputed ruler of this rocky area is strong, east wind Bora, whose strong gusts bring cold with them from the distant steppes.
However, as the terrain descends towards the sea, the climate is changing significantly. After just a few hundred meters, the landscape takes on a Mediterranean color, and olive and pine trees replace the typical upland vegetation. And this is where the Malvasia grapevine is grown.
Consortium for the Protection of Carso Doc Wines
Stock Exchange Square, 14
34123 Trieste (TS)
ITALY