Discover Ribolla Gialla and Collio Bianco Broy – The Soul of Collavini Winery
Collio Bianco Broy DOC is the pride of the Collavini family—an authentic taste of their winemaking heritage. Broy comes from «broili,» a local Friulian word for small kitchen gardens where families used to grow vines for their own wine. These special plots, often protected by bushes, inspired Collavini’s connection to the land.
Collavini Winery History
Founded in 1896 in Ravignano, Friuli, the Collavini family has passed down winemaking skills through four generations. From supplying wine to local nobles, they’ve become one of the region’s leading wineries.
A Tradition of Innovation
What makes Collavini stand out? Innovation. The family has always embraced new techniques, whether it’s blending grape varieties or using modern science to improve wine quality. Today, Collavini produces 1.5 million bottles each year, exporting to 38 countries.
Revolutionary Wines
After World War II, Manlio Collavini moved the winery to the rich terroirs of Corno di Rosazzo. In 1971, he combined Pinot Grigio and Chardonnay to create Friuli’s first sparkling white wine. He then developed the famous Ribolla Gialla sparkling wine by inventing the Collavini Method—a unique mix of Charmat and Classic techniques. This put Ribolla Gialla on the map as one of Italy’s most loved wines.
Another bold move was bottling Pinot Grigio in clear bottles to show its beautiful straw color. Manlio even grew the winery’s reach by connecting with Friulians abroad.
A Continuing Family Legacy
Today, the fourth generation, including Giovanni and Luigi, work alongside their father, Manlio—often called «The Lord of Ribolla Gialla.»
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Collio Bianco Broy
Friuli is famous for its top-quality white wines, crafted from both native and international grapes. Local culture has embraced wine since Roman times, and enjoying a glass is part of everyday life.
Collio Bianco Broy launched in 2003, blending Friulano (40%), Chardonnay (40%), and Sauvignon (20%). The goal was to stand alongside Italy’s best white wines.
The name “Collio” comes from the Italian word for hillsides, describing the region’s rolling terrain near the Slovenian border. This area lies between the Adriatic Sea and the Alps. The diversity of local grapes translates to wines that are both rich and lingering.
Contrasting climates define Friuli: cold northern winds and warm southern breezes combine to create uniquely complex wines. Production involves partial grape drying and aging on fine lees, boosting aroma and texture.
A vertical tasting of Collio Bianco Broy highlights how the wine changes across vintages. From 2003 to 2008, fermentation in barrels and steel tanks produced a rich, robust style.
Seeking more regional character, winemaker Manlio shifted direction in 2009. He eliminated barrels and tweaked the blend to 50% Friulano, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Sauvignon, letting terroir shine through.
Recently, French oak barrels from Beaune were reintroduced for extra richness and elegance, all while keeping oak flavors subtle.
Wine Tourism in Friuli gives visitors a chance to explore these hillside vineyards, taste legendary white wines, and experience the region’s deep connection to its winemaking heritage.
Autumn landscape view from Rosazzo Abbey in Friuli region, Italy
Explore the Collavini Winery and Surrounding Areas
The Collavini Winery is located in the charming Corno di Rosazzo commune, beside the Corno River. This picturesque area features rolling hills, historic churches, and villas, with the highlight being the tenth-century Abbey of Rosazzo. The Abbey is historically significant as the place where Benedictine monks first cultivated Ribolla Gialla.
Nearby Cities and Attractions
Explore the nearby cities for more cultural and historical experiences:
— Udine: Just 30 minutes away, this city offers rich history and local culture.
— Trieste: A one-hour drive, Trieste boasts stunning architecture and coastal views.
Charming Small Towns to Visit
— Cividale del Friuli: Famous for its Lombard Temple, Monastery of Santa Maria in Valle (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), and the Devil’s Bridge.
— Aquileia: Once a thriving trade hub in the Early Roman Empire, its Basilica and archaeological sites are now UNESCO-listed.
— Grado: A medieval seaside town on the North Adriatic Sea, known for its beautiful beaches and lagoon views.
The Vigne Alte Walking Path
For nature lovers, the Vigne Alte walking path offers a scenic 1.8-mile route through gentle hills lined with colorful vines that change with the seasons. It’s the perfect place for a relaxing walk or bike ride.
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Charming Osteria della Ribolla, on-site restaurant at Collavini Winery
The winery is situated in a restored 16th-century manor house, offering picture-perfect views of the sloped vineyards.
Guided Tastings
With advance reservations, wine enthusiasts can sample the winery’s sparkling wines (including Ribolla Gialla Brut), white wines such as the Broy Collio Bianco, T-FrIulano and Pinot Grigio, and red wines like Schioppettino and Refosco.
A Corner of Authenticity
Located in the far northeasternmost corner of Italy, bordering Slovenia and Austria, the best way to access the Friuli wine region is by flying into the international airports in Venice (approximately 1.5 hours away) or Milan (approximately 4 hours away), and then renting a car to explore the subregions.
Although not easy to reach, the rewards of Friuli wine tourism include visiting a still-authentic area of Italy, relatively untouched by mass tourism due to its location. It offers opportunities to taste and learn about the region’s unique wines, to meet historic winemakers like Collavini, and to discover the cuisine and cultural traditions of an area shaped in part by its geographic borders with Slovenia and Austria.
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