In the foothills of the province of Treviso, about 30 km north of the city of the same name, is the DOCG of Colli di Conegliano. Lying roughly within the same geographical boundaries of the more well known DOCG, Prosecco di Conegliano e Valdobbiadene , here one will find still wines produced to the same high quality standards. Conegliano itself is a lovely town, noted historically for its wine production, and still home today of the oldest and most prestigious wine school in Italy, the Scola Enologica.
Conegliano lies on the cusp of three wine zones, with very different terrain, and therefore producing a wide variety of wines. The flatter terrain to the south, along the Piave river contrasts nicely with the foothills of the Alps to the north, all providing some great cycling options for our bike tours as well! During a visit, make sure to take a trip up to the Castello di Conegliano to view the bell towers, the painting gallery in the Civic Museum, and taste a glass of wine from the Colli di Conegliano DOCG at the delightful restaurant here.
The wines from the Colli di Conegliano DOCG are white, red and two sweet wines, one the Torchiato of Fregona, and the other called Refrontolo. The DOCG quality guideline specifically mention that these grapes are considered unsuitable for vineyards in the valley, and so much come from the Colli, “hills”.
Colli di Conegliano Bianco: A white blend of Chardonnay (30-70%), Incrocio Manzoni 6.0.13 (30-70%) and Riesling Renano and/or Sauvignon Blanc (up to 10%.) The Bianco presents a bouquet of fruit with floral notes. Fruit flavors balanced with a pleasant acidity balance nicely, with a fresh, crisp finish. Enjoy it with salads, fresh cheese, or seafood dishes.
Colli di Conegliano Rosso: An interesting red blend of the native Marzemino, with Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc (each 10-100%), Merlot (10-40%), and Manzoni Incrocio 2.15 (up 10%.) The Rosso requires a minimum aging of 24 months of which at least 6 must be in barrel, and three in bottle. These wines are typically ruby red in color, tending to garnet. An intense fruity and vinous nose, dry and full-bodied, with a tannic finish. It pairs well with roasted meats and aged cheeses.
Colli di Conegliano Refrontolo: This is a sweet passito wine, produced in the area around the town of Refrontolo, is generated from dried grapes of the native variety Marzemino (95-100%.) Marzemino has been cultivated in the Veneto region since ancient times, and enjoys the reputation of being Mozart’s favorite wine since his famous operat Don Giovanni included a last request of Giovanni before his deliverance to hell - a glass of Marzemino.
Colli di Conegliano Torchiato di Fregona: This white wine, from a production area centered around the municipality of Fregona, is made from dried grapes of the following varieties: Glera (formally known as Prosecco), Verdiso, (each 30-45%), Boschera (25-40%), and any other permitted white varieties also produced in the region. This is a sweet wine of golden-yellow color, quite rare as it is produced in limited quantities. The name derives from the particular method of pressing the raisins.
