September 30, 2025 (San Floriano del Collio, Italy) — Collio Riserva is inspired by the history and tradition of Collio whites once traded in the markets of central Europe. A wine that right from its name “voluntarily written large on the label”, as Robert Princic likes to remind us, wants to strongly express the essence of the terroir from which it comes.
“Through Collio Riserva,” explains the owner of Gradis’ciutta, “I wanted to give my own personal interpretation of the unique character of this territory, harmoniously combining the most representative grape varieties of Collio.”
The project began in 2009, driven by Robert Princic’s desire to produce a white wine made exclusively from the native grape varieties Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia and Friulano, fermented in ten-hectolitre wooden barrels. This revives those ancient Collio traditions that were first included in the Consortium’s regulations in 1968, codifying a centuries-old custom that saw a blend based on the most widespread variety – Ribolla – with the addition of the other two varieties most appreciated by consumers: Istrian Malvasia and Friulano (formerly Tocai). A wine that also qualifies also as “Riserva” thanks to a period of ageing, including any refining, of no less than one year.
“I believe that Collio Riserva,” says Princic, “is a wine that will continue to surprise and captivate palates, thanks to its history, its simplicity, and at the same time, its richness of scents and flavors. It also embodies the ageing and maturation potential that is so characteristic of Collio wines. In short, it is a manifesto which, more than a thousand words, conveys the extraordinary viticultural potential of Italy’s most celebrated ‘crescent.’
The wine was also highly acclaimed by Decanter, which awarded it an impressive 97 points in its 2021 guide, describing it as: ‘A full and juicy wine with flavors of ripe fruit, notes of flax, dried flowers, and spices. A wine distinguished by its beautiful balance and a vibrant touch of acidity leading to a glorious finish.’
Since 2009, all Collio DOC wines have been marketed in a distinctive “Collio bottle”, carefully chosen by a consortium of local winegrowers. Lighter in weight, this bottle not only reduces the environmental impact, but it also allows the use of high-quality corks.
After a late harvest, the grapes are gently pressed. The tumultuous fermentation takes place in steel, followed by a second stage in 10 hl wooden barrels—both French and Slavonian oak—where the wine rests until August, before bottling. It then undergoes further refinement in bottle until November of the following year, and is released to the market two years after the harvest. The grapes are also subjected to cryo-maceration for 24 hours before being pressed and fermented at controlled temperatures. The wines remain ‘sur lie’ until bottling, enhancing their texture and complexity.
Pale gold in color, Collio Riserva is a fine and complex wine, with elegance as its hallmark. It offers a delicate floral bouquet with hints of lime blossom, acacia, lilac and an appealing saline note.
On the palate it is vibrant and intense, with great depth of flavour and a concentrated finish in which citrus counterpoints ripe yellow fruit.
A wine for aperitif or for meditation if served chilled. At a higher temperature it pairs perfectly with tasty baked fish, stewed white meats or with aged cheeses.
About Gradis’ciutta
Founded in 1997 by Robert Princic, Gradis’ciutta is one of the most significant wineries in Collio, Friuli Venezia Giulia. With approximately 50 hectares of hillside vineyards in the municipalities of San Floriano del Collio, Gorizia, Capriva del Friuli, and Dolegna del Collio, the winery represents a perfect balance between family tradition, winemaking innovation, and deep respect for the territory.
Guided by a sustainable philosophy and a production vision focused on biodiversity and quality, Gradis’ciutta obtained organic certification in 2018, crowning a long journey of conversion to responsible viticulture. Its wines, produced mainly from native grape varieties such as Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, and Malvasia, but also from international varieties well integrated into the territory, best express the richness and complexity of Ponca, the characteristic soil of Collio.
In addition to wine production, in 2022 the company inaugurated Borgo Gradis’ciutta, an accommodation facility created from the restoration of an ancient 16th-century palace, now a place of hospitality and immersive experiences in nature, art, wine culture, and local identity.
Gradis’ciutta is a family, cultural, and territorial project that looks to the future with deep roots in the land and history of Collio.
