When people think of Italian wine, their minds often go straight to the bold reds—the iconic Barolo, Brunello, Chianti, and more. But Italian white wines deserve just as much admiration. I have favorite whites from all over Italy: Campania’s Fiano di Avellino, Tuscany’s Vernaccia di San Gimignano, Piedmont’s Arneis, and Marche’s Verdicchio.

After a recent wine tasting at Corkbuzz, I have yet another wine region to add to my list of great Italian whites: Collio DOC. These full-bodied wines, with ripe fruit flavors balanced by lively acidity and saline minerality, are fantastic on their own but really shine at the table. Think creamy seafood risotto, cured meats like prosciutto, herb-roasted chicken, or a platter of fresh, tangy goat cheeses—Collio wines complement all kinds of food.

I know what you’re thinking…

Where is Collio and What Makes The Wines so Special?

Collio is a small but mighty wine region in northeastern Italy, in Friuli Venezia Giulia, about an hour and a half drive northeast of Venice. The area is home to a treasure trove of indigenous and international grape varieties and produces some of Italy's greatest white wines.

Situated between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Collio has the perfect climate for high-quality viticulture. Warm sea breezes help ripen the grapes, while the Alps shield them from northern chills. The long, gentle growing season gives the grapes plenty of time to develop rich, complex aromas and flavors, and the big temperature swings from day to night add an extra boost of invigorating acidity.

Culturally, the Collio region is a melting pot shaped by influences from neighboring Slovenia, Austria, and Hungary. This blend of traditions brings depth to the wines, giving them a unique character that balances Italian expressiveness with a refined, Central European touch.

Then there’s the “ponca” soil—a layered mix of marl and sandstone embedded with tiny fossils. Rich in minerals, this unique soil gives the wines a distinctive mineral depth and aromatic complexity.

Grape Varieties

Collio DOC is home to a fantastic mix of white grape varieties. Local stars like Ribolla Gialla and Friulano give the wines a real sense of place. Ribolla Gialla is known for its lively acidity and fresh, citrusy flavors, while Friulano is richer and creamier, often finishing with a touch of bitter almond. International grapes like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, and Chardonnay also thrive here, developing depth and minerality from Collio’s terroir.

Innovation Meets Tradition

In the 1960s, Italy’s "white wine revolution,” led by producers in Friuli Venezia Giulia (many in Collio), was a game-changer. Inspired by German techniques, they introduced temperature-controlled fermentation, stainless steel tanks, and selective grape picking, moving away from the traditional heavy, oxidized whites made with extended skin contact. Collio winemakers carry that spirit of innovation and commitment to quality today, blending tradition with modern methods to bring out the best in their grapes.

So, if you love Italian whites or want to explore something new, a bottle from Collio is a must-try. Complex and mineral-driven, these white wines blend tradition and innovation and bring that magical Collio terroir to the glass. Salute!

Try These Collio Wines

Marco Felluga Mongris Pinot Grigio 2023 ($20) Intense floral and fruity aromas; full-bodied and structured on the palate with a long finish. Delicious!

Humar Ribolla Gialla 2023 ($15). Aged in large oval-shaped oak barrels on its fine lees for six to seven months. Creamy, full-bodied texture, a little spicy with nice salinity and bitter almond finish. Love this one!

Ronco Blanchis Sauvignon Blanc 2023 ($28) Certified organic. Savory, herbal aromas with hints of white peach; medium-bodied with bright acidity and the classic persistent, bitter almond finish. Super refreshing!

Cantina Produttori Cormòns Pinot Bianco 2023 ($19) Intense ripe fruit aromas with tropical fruit notes on the palate and a hint of bitter almond on the lengthy finish. Medium to full-bodied. Excellent!