The Colli Berici DOC covers the group of hills south of Vicenza, in Veneto. The area includes the whole territory of Albettone, Alonte, Altavilla, Arcugnano, Barbarano Vicentino, Brendola, Castegnero, Grancona, Mossano, Nanto, Orgiano, San Germano dei Berici, Sovizzo, Villaga and Zovencedo, and parts of Lonigo, Montecchio Maggiore, Sossano, Vicenza and other towns. It was recognised by the decree of 20 September 1973.
Tai Rosso
A characteristic grape of the Berici is Tai Rosso, once called Tocai Rosso. Isoenzyme analyses in 1990, confirmed in 2005 by DNA analyses carried out by the Istituto Sperimentale per la Viticoltura in Conegliano, established its kinship with Sardinian Cannonau, Gamay del Trasimeno, French Grenache and Spanish Garnacha. Its closer kinship with Grenache points to a French origin, which is supported by the synonyms «Uva Francese» and «Uva del Vescovo»: the vines are said to have come from Avignon, then the papal seat, brought by the Canons of Barbarano in the fourteenth century. In the Barbarano subzone the Rosso is made from Tai Rosso alone.
Reds and whites
The Rosso combines 50 to 65% Merlot, at least 20% Tai Rosso and up to 30% Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Pinot Nero. There are also the red varietals, with at least 85% of the grape: Cabernet, Carmenère, Merlot, Pinot Nero and Tai Rosso. The Riserva ages for at least 24 months. The Bianco is made from 30-60% Garganega and 20-50% Sauvignon Blanc; the white varietals include Chardonnay, Garganega, Manzoni Bianco, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon and Tai, that is Friulano.
Among the sparkling wines is the Metodo Classico, with at least 50% Chardonnay and at least 15 months on the lees, rising to 30 for the Millesimato. A Passito from Garganega and Sauvignon completes the range. Minimum alcohol is 10.5%.
At the table
Fresh, fruity Tai Rosso goes with cured meats, bigoli with duck ragù and Vicenza-style salt cod; the Merlot and Cabernet reds with roast meat and game; the whites with starters, white asparagus and freshwater fish. To the west, across the plain, lies the Soave DOC, where Garganega is the main grape.