Collio Goriziano DOC

Collio Goriziano DOC wines are produced from vineyards centered on the town of Gorizia in North East Italy near Trieste. Gorizia is very near to the Slovenia border and the political history of the town is very complicated. Up until the first World War, it was part of the Austrian empire. It was the scene of some intense battles between Allied and Austrian forces. In the final stages of the war the Slovenes invaded the town only to be replaced again by Italian forces in late 1918. Finally, Gorizia was incorporated into Italy in 1920. Even though it was absorbed into Italy the Slovenia influence is still very apparent and the Slovene language is still spoken in the area. The Collio Goriziano borders on the Goriska Brda wine growing area of Slovenia and the wines of both areas have a similar character. For instance, the Ribolla grape which is blended into the white wines of the Collio, is called Rebula in Goriska Brda on the other side of the border. The wines of Collio are of high quality and in true Mediterranean style are very fruity whether they are red or white.





This area of Italy is one of the most diverse in Europe with Italian, Slovene, Austrian and even French influences. Just before the the time Slovenia became part of the European Union, a drive around the area was very interesting. Some of the border posts were reserved for Italians and Slovenes only. No matter how persuasive you were, Slovenian border guards would direct non Italian EU citizens to the main border crossing near Trieste where you would be simply waved through with a smile.





Dining in the Collio area is also an interesting experience. Some of the restaurants are literally a home and you are eating home made food in the front garden and drinking a carafe of unlabelled wine from a friend's vineyard. No one cares about varietal labelling. The food is absolutely delicious and the local wine goes with it perfectly and all at very reasonably prices, even though there is no menu. Try it.





The nearby city and port of Trieste, lies on the Adriatic and its history reflects that of the rest of the region. It was finally incorporated, by international treaty, as part of Italy well after the second World War. There is an exceptionally strong Slovene influence which becomes stronger and stronger as you walk out of the city towards the Slovene border. There is also a strong Austrian influence which is reflected in the cuisine in some of the surrounding towns and villages.





Napoleon was also in Trieste so there is a slight French influence on the architecture. James Joyce resided in Trieste for a number of years.





If you pay a visit to Trieste then you must sample the food. Sea Bass is a speciality and of course a Collio white wine goes perfectly. The city is a little run down but why care wine you can find such good wines.





If you are looking for a trip which is fully imbued with great wines and food, and with a little piece of architectural and cultural diversity thrown in, then the the Collio area is the place to visit.