This week we will be continuing our series that looks into the background of some of Italy’s top winemakers. We hope that this will offer an illuminating look into the history of a producer that has slowly built a reputation for creating some truly stunning wines that can stand alongside some of the best that the industry currently has to offer.
In this article we will be taking a look at Edi Keber Collio, which is a manufacturer that is fairly well-known in Italy but has perhaps not achieved the reputation that it deserves further afield. We’ll look into the history behind the company and take an in-depth look at one of their best wines and why you should consider making a purchase as soon as possible.
The History
Edi Keber Collio, which is often simply shortened to Collio can trace the history of its vineyards back through the centuries. They find their origins in the pre-Roman times, meaning that they date back to the very origins of the Italian wine industry itself. Even during the Middle Ages, when the industry was little more than monasteries growing grapes, the vineyards managed to endure and remains fruitful.
Once the Renaissance era arrived, the wines produced in the region began to experience a surge in popularity and they quickly became a valued commodity throughout the whole of Europe. Thus began a rich tradition of exporting that has continued through to this day, even if the name may not be as recognisable as some others in the industry. The wines produced using these vines gained particular prominence in the 1500s, when the Archdeacon of the village would regularly send barrels of Ribolla wine to the Patriarch of Aquileia to enjoy.
The area continued to produce wines all the way into the 20th century, when Collio became one of the most contested areas in Italy during World War I. During that period the production of wine slowed to a halt, with the renowned Battle of Isonzo River being fought amongst the vineyards that had managed to withstand the test of time for so many years. While this led to damage of vines that had existed for centuries, it also encouraged the planting of new vines and led to the restoration of the area as a force in the winemaking world.
These new vines continued to produce some absolutely stunning wines, which led to the creation of a local association known as Consorzio Tutela Vini del Collio in 1964. This collective brought some of the greatest minds in the local industry together and allowed for a spread of ideas that had never been achieved before. It was one of the first organisations of its kind in the country, leading the way for others to follow in later years.
A mere four years later, the organisation received the recognition that it so richly deserved when the wines they produced were granted the denomination of origin seal that marked them out as being of particularly high quality while also being native to the region. The organisation, in turn, continued to go from strength to strength under the leadership of the charismatic Count Attems, whose vision f bring the best local producers together in an effort to encourage excellence in the winemaking process was clearly bearing fruit.
This continued on through the next few decades until 2010, when the organisation was merged with another wine association. The combination of the Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio and Consorzio Tutela Vini Carso led to the birth of Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio e Carso and presented a whole range of new challenges for all of the members. In the years since, they have all dedicated themselves to the creation of great wines and pride themselves on bringing creativity and innovation to the industry.
It is through this renewed philosophy that the company continues to operate and create wines of a superior quality that are recognised as being amongst some of the very best in Italy.
This has led to the creation of the motto that perhaps defines the region better than any other. Today, Collio lives under the creed of always being true to itself, which has allowed for the creation of more truly stunning wines that the area, and the Italian wine industry as a whole, can be truly proud of.
Though the association creates a number of different wines, we have decided to place a little bit of focus on the Edi Keber Collio vintage from last year, which is a truly stunning example of an organic white wine.
As mentioned, the product is entirely organic, so you don’t need to worry about any man-made chemicals making their way into the mix. This can be particularly important for many people and it is something that is worth considering before you make any purchase. In essence, it ensures that the wine reflects the land much more effectively and truly allows for you to get a taste of the region that it originates from.
Edi Keber is one of the few companies that produces this type of wine to the quality that it deserves, and it is created through an interesting combination of a number of local and non-native grapes that includes the likes of Ribolla, Friulano, Malvasia, Pinot Grigio and Sauvignon.
All of these combine to create a wine that has a straw yellow colouring that can even contain hints of green when placed in the right light. This offers it an enchanting complexion that is more than backed up by the quality of the wine itself.
To the nose you will notice hints of refreshing fruits, marking the drink out as being an ideal aperitif. Hints of yellow lemon, citrus and pear are all noticeable and should provide an interesting teaser for when the wine is finally introduced to the palate.
To taste reflects these notes in remarkable balance, ensuring that you get a beautiful drink that has a strong mineral quality. Better yet, it is silky smooth and goes down exceptionally easily, making it a wonderful choice for a starter before a big meal.
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