Berici Hills
The plain around Vicenza flows gently south into the upland area known as the Colli Berici (Berici Hills). The microclimate prevailing here is extremely mild, that no one is surprised by a landscape, rare at this latitude, with olive groves and flowering oleander trees. There are also very favorable conditions for growing vines. The centuries-old wine-growing traditions of this region are confirmed by records found in documents from the 13th century, in which we find numerous descriptions of the surrounding hills drowning in the greenery of vineyards.
The Colli Berici Denominazione di Origine Controllata appellation includes eight different wines made from eight different grape varieties. Some of them are indigenous strains, others were introduced to cultivation after the tragic epidemic of phylloxera, which also decimated the local vineyards at the end of the nineteenth century. Particularly noteworthy is the Tocai Rosso vine, which was to be brought to these areas from Hungary, in times, when Empress Maria Theresa also exercised power in the territory of northeastern Italy. Nevertheless, the most common variety in the area of Colli Berici is Garganega. The Merlot strain comes close behind, which has recently become widespread in local vineyards and seems to match its popularity with the more successful Tocai Rosso.
In recent years, all Colli Berici wines have experienced a real boom. The production is getting bigger every year, and the producers record excellent sales results both in the domestic market, as well as on foreign markets.
Consortium for the Protection of Berici Hills Wines
Via Ca ’Dolfina, 40
36029 Bridge of Barbarano (VI)
ITALY