La Ponca: Pure Wines, Expressing the Place, Culture, and Character of Collio

The Friulian estate was born from a gesture of love for the land and the desire to transfer the soul of the Scriò Hills into every glass. Six labels express the character of the ponca—the marl and sandstone soil that gives the estate its name—offering in each sip the aromas and flavors of the territory, with salinity as its signature trait.

July 15, 2025 (Scriò, Dolegna del Collio, Italy) — «I didn’t want just any estate in Collio—I wanted this estate in Collio». With this ambition, Alex Maccan acquired the property in 2021. Located in the highest part of the Collio region, it sits at the foot of the Korada mountain complex.

TO EACH VINEYARD THEIR WINE

The 12 hectares of vineyards, surrounded by 45 hectares of forest, benefit from the contrast between cold currents descending from Mount Korada and the Bora wind blowing from the east. Constant ventilation, favorable slope exposure, and altitude create a microclimate that supports organic farming practices. But La Ponca’s true treasure lies in its soil. Here, the land is the result of a rocky system formed around 65 million years ago, creating a distinctive geology. The vine roots penetrate the marl and sandstone, extracting minerals from the bedrock. The estate’s vineyards are distributed across six plots between 180 and 320 meters above sea level—Pacial, Petris, Paglizza, Casa Rossa, Skal, and Ronc. The hallmark of La Ponca wines is their salinity, which is evident in both native and international varieties. This character comes through in the six cultivated grape varieties: Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, Friulano, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Schioppettino.

A SIMPLE AND SUSTAINABLE PRODUCTION PHILOSOPHY

«After years of research, tasting, comparisons, and shared experiences, I stopped in the place where I felt I could bring this dream to life: to produce pure wines that express the place, the culture, and the character that made Collio wines famous» says Alex Maccan. At the core of La Ponca’s philosophy is a deep respect for the identity of the territory and the unique traits of each grape variety. Guided by the principle of “less is more”, the estate employs organic farming practices. Just like in the vineyard, interventions in the cellar are kept to a minimum, favoring a winemaking style that respects the raw material to best express the soul of the territory.

AN IDENTITY BORN FROM LISTENING TO NATURE

The balance between land, people, and nature comes from a silent agreement, in which respecting the ecosystem plays a fundamental role in wine production. Farming in this context means facing daily challenges—fragile soils, steep slopes, and changing weather conditions. But this very complexity is what makes La Ponca so special. The work is guided by an experienced and passionate team, inspired by the belief that true terroir expression can only emerge by entering into harmony with nature and the rhythm of the seasons. It is only by embracing these elements that one can fully grasp the personality of La Ponca.

«Each time I walk through the vineyards and taste the wines, harvest after harvest, I also savor the meaning of this project. Aware that it is a journey—an evolving path shaped by time—I am happy to share the results achieved so far, with eyes set on the future».

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