“Collio Evolution” 2026: Pinot Grigio of Collio, “magnifying glass” of the terroir

Not only it is the leading grape variety by vineyard area and production in Friuli Collio region, but it also achieves a wide range of distinctive expressions in the crescent-shaped area between the Judrio stream and the Isonzo River. Pinot Grigio was the focus of “Collio Evolution” 2026, the annual event organized by Consorzio Vini Collio - Consortium of Collio Wines, which continued the in-depth exploration of the historic hilly denomination of Friuli-Venezia Giulia launched in 2025, investigating both the positioning of its wines in the HoReCa channel and its grape varieties.
Following the first edition dedicated to the native Friulano grape, the edition No. 2, which featured a public walk-around tasting involving 50 wineries, turned its spotlight on Pinot Grigio. “This year, “Collio Evolution” focused on Pinot Grigio, a grape variety known worldwide which expresses a distinctive territorial identity here on our hills - explained Luca Raccaro, president of Consorzio Vini Collio - from vineyard to glass, the identity of our Pinot Grigio is the message we want to convey. We don’t simply want to tell the story of a grape variety, but to represent the evolution of Collio. Evolution doesn’t mean forgetting tradition, but bringing it into the future. This work requires a united community with a shared identity. The older vintages tasted over these days have confirmed that our Pinot Grigio ages exceptionally well. This is an important message for the market and a source of encouragement for all producers”. Within the terroir triangle, namely the relationship between the vine, the local pedoclimatic environment, and the producer approach, Pinot Grigio of Collio is capable of amplifying one or both of these elements in the glass. This characteristic was highlighted during the press masterclasses led by Daniele Cernilli, one of the leading authorities on Italian wine and founder of DoctorWine, who examined the evolution of Pinot Grigio in Collio, and by Cristina Mercuri MW, who explored Collio through the lens of Pinot Grigio “neutral” grapes.
Collio owes its contemporary reputation above all to its great white wines, a status achieved in the second half of the 1960s and consolidated between the late 1970s and early 1980s. This vocation is reflected in the fact that 88% of the vineyard area is planted with white grape varieties. Four grapes account for 70% of the total vineyard surface: Pinot Grigio (24%), Sauvignon (17%), Friulano (14%), and Ribolla Gialla (13%). “Pinot Grigio, though considered an international grape variety, has always been present in Friuli Venezia Giulia and expresses itself in a unique way in Collio,” confirmed Lavinia Zamaro, Director of the Consorzio Vini Collio. “The vineyard area devoted to Pinot Grigio within our DOC began to expand alongside the variety success on international markets, but producers have always been careful to preserve its distinctive characteristics, maintaining a strong focus on quality parameters over time. The balance among the different grape varieties has remained largely stable in recent years, with Pinot Grigio showing a very slight decline, while native varieties are growing thanks to increasing regional and national demand. Over the medium to long term, I do not expect major changes, both because Collio is a small DOC with no room for expansion and because it has always prioritized quality over chasing trends, while remaining attentive to market dynamics. Certainly, wine styles have changed over the decades. Today wines are no longer those of the 1990s. In line with consumer preferences, producers now seek a balance between gastronomic wines and wines suited to a broader range of drinking occasions. Looking ahead, the most important challenge we face is climate change”.
The historical overview dedicated to Pinot Grigio - a grape variety resulting from a bud mutation of Pinot Noir, traced its geographical journey to Collio, where it was introduced around 1850 by Count Teodoro De La Tour at Villa Russiz Estate in Capriva del Friuli, a property which played a crucial role in enhancing its reputation. The story then moved to Mario Schiopetto, also based in Capriva, who spearheaded the modern renaissance of the variety with his first vintage of Collio Pinot Grigio in 1968, anticipating its worldwide success. That global success came during the 1970s and 1980s when Santa Margherita, owned by the Marzotto family, transformed the grape fortunes. Vinified as a white wine thanks to new horizontal presses, Pinot Grigio experienced an extraordinary commercial boom, particularly in the United States and the United Kingdom, helping Italy become the world leading producer, accounting for more than 40% of global bottled production. France follows with around 25-26%, while smaller shares are produced in Switzerland, Slovenia and other countries, including newer producers such as Australia and California. More than 82% of Italian Pinot Grigio production is concentrated in the Triveneto area (Veneto, Friuli Venezia Giulia and Trentino). Within this broader picture, however, the niche production of Collio Pinot Grigio stands out for its strong territorial identity, emphasizing a genuine sense of place in every glass through producers who are among its most accomplished interpreters.
“Originally, Pinot Grigio wines displayed a deep copper hue because skin contact was unavoidable - underlined Daniele Cernilli - later, technological advances made it possible to vinify without skin contact, resulting in white wines. Today, these two interpretations coexist, alongside wines from extended maceration and even red versions such as those made by Josko Gravner. This diversity, together with its territorial origins, is a strength that distinguishes it from the mass of “neutral” Pinot Grigios that dominate international markets”.
“At an international level, Pinot Grigio can be defined as a “category” whereas Collio Pinot Grigio is a wine of origin” - underlined Cristina Mercuri MW - in Collio, this neutral grape variety acts as a magnifying glass for the territory and for the way producers interpret it, deciding whether to emphasize the voice of the land or their own stylistic vision through choices such as skin maceration and fermentation in different vessels. The result is a uniquely diverse range of production styles”.
“With this second edition, Collio Evolution has found its true format: an event where Collio puts itself to the test before journalists, trade professionals and wine enthusiasts - concluded Lavinia Zamaro, director of the Consortium - the question we were asked most frequently over these days was: which grape variety will be featured next year? For now, we are keeping that a secret, but we can already confirm one thing: Collio Evolution will return on 2027, October 24th and 25th”.

Focus - “Collio Evolution” 2026: WineNews’ best wine tastings

Borgo Savaian, Collio Pinot Grigio 2025
Straw-yellow with pinkish highlights. A fresh bouquet of apple and pear with notes of wild strawberries. On the palate, it has lovely, lively acidity; it’s smooth and long-finishing.

Francesco Rotolo, Collio Pinot Grigio 2025
Straw yellow with pink-orange highlights. The nose already hints at a certain “sweetness” of yellow fruit and white flowers. Fresh and structured on the palate, with a soft finish.

Sturm, Collio Pinot Grigio 2025
Yellow with greenish highlights. An evolving nose: as the temperature rises, tropical fruit and subtle spice emerge. Nice acidity on the palate that makes it very easy to drink despite its good structure; long, with a slightly bitter finish.

Fantinel Tenuta Sant’Helena, Collio Pinot Grigio Rocciaponca 2025
Straw yellow. On the nose, green apple, pear, and citrus, with a hint of balsamic notes on the finish. On the palate, fresh and well-integrated acidity, a soft and slightly glyceric body, and well-balanced alcohol. Clean and simple.

Collavini, Collio Pinot Grigio Villa Canlungo 2025
Yellow. A clean, youthful nose with notes of white fruit, peach, and pear, and a hint of saltiness on the finish. On the palate, vibrant acidity and a layered texture thanks to the yeasts and the different origins of the grapes; a long finish with the return of that salty note.

Marco Felluga, Collio Pinot Grigio Mongris 2025
Golden yellow. The brief pre-fermentation cold maceration makes the nose less fruity in favor of complexity, with notes of flint and Mediterranean herbs. On the palate, it’s vertical, with lovely acidity and length. Pairs well with food.

Russiz Superiore, Collio Pinot Grigio 2025
Golden with coppery hues. On the nose, citrus and pear notes, with a slight toasty hint. On the palate, the use of oak (15%) does not weigh it down but instead imparts tension, depth, and elegance.

Venica & Venica, Collio Pinot Grigio Jesera 2025
Light coppery. On the nose, pre-fermentation notes, pear, peach, and hints of red fruits, pomegranate, and cherry; fresh. On the palate, it is succulent and refreshing with good glyceric texture; complex, thanks in part to 10% aging in large barrels, and long-lasting.

Primosic, Collio Pinot Grigio Skin 2020
Intense coppery color thanks to approximately 8 days of maceration. The nose is defined by peppery, toasty, and sweet notes of vanilla from the oak, pomegranate, and other red fruits. On the palate, it is solid with silky, muscular, and slightly rough tannins. Complex and perfect for pairing with food.

Castello di Spessa, Collio Pinot Grigio Joy 2025
Light copper color. Hints of red fruit: cherry, wild strawberries, and floral notes. Fragrant with a slight hint of fermentation. The palate is smooth, with a nice balance between structure and acidity.

Livon, Collio Pinot Grigio Clas 2024
Light copper color. A clean, slightly fermentative nose with hints of small wild berries and a touch of spice. On the palate, it finishes savory with good acidity, is highly drinkable, balanced, and lively.

Tenuta Borgo Conventi, Collio Pinot Grigio 2024
Vivid coppery color with complex aromas of ripe fruit, slightly fermentative notes, and subtle tannins. On the palate, lively acidity, a certain softness, and a savory finish.

Colmello di Grotta, Collio Pinot Grigio Coldigrotta 2022
Deep pink with noticeable development. A complex, ethereal nose that hints at a certain softness on the palate, slightly tannic yet elegant.

Villa Russiz, Collio Pinot Grigio 2025
Intense pink. The nose is “rich” and round, almost like a red wine, yet with notes of fresh red fruit. On the palate, it is structured, full-bodied, and has a slightly bitter finish.