91pts Wine Enthusiast

This mineral-driven and focused wine highlights the beauty of the Collio region. Ponca, the local name for the soil in the Collio, is a chalky clay and sandstone conglomerate, which this wine shows off in spades. The first note of Ponca leads into ripe apples and white flowers. Layered and textured, the palate has a creaminess that is balanced with bright acidity. It's a wine that highlights the soil of this special place.

94pts James Suckling

The density and depth is very impressive for a pinot bianco, with fresh white flowers, dried apples, lemons and pears. It’s full-bodied, but feels fresh and vivid on the palate. Stony and minerally undertones at the end. Drink or hold.

Winemaker Notes

Wine obtained from Pinot Bianco grapes, a highly prized vine particularly suited to the hilly area, it has perfectly adapted to Friuli, and in particular to the Collio area. The Pinot Bianco was planted in a ventilated area and in mainly marly soil, it produces small and compact bunches, the berries are round and golden yellow in colour. The harvest of these grapes is accompanied by soft pressing followed by a short period of settling in the total absence of sulfur dioxide. Fermentation takes place in stainless steel tanks with addition of pied de cuve at a controlled temperature, while the subsequent refinement takes place on the lees for 8 months.

About the Winery

Aziende Agricola Mario Schiopetto is one of the oldest wine estates in the Collio area and a leading light of the wine industry in Friuli. In the rolling hills in Capriva del Friuli, Mario Schiopetto founded this legendary estate in 1965 making new and highly controversial wines using stainless steel that would eventually inspire the entire Italian wine industry. The Schiopetto family's vineyards cover the estate surrounding the former residence of the Bishop of Gorizia in the Rosazzo hills that form part of the Eastern Hills of Friuli. Gradually Mario’s children, Maria Angela, Carlo and Giorgio joined him in running the business, carrying on his project with sensitivity and respect, with love of tradition and real passion. In April 2014 the business passed into the hands of the Rotolo family who intend to maintain intact Mario’s mission and productive philosophy for the sake of continuity.