Pinot Grigio Collio – Villa Russiz
PURE FRIULIAN ELEGANCE
Villa Russiz’s Pinot Grigio is a refined white wine from Collio, made exclusively from grapes grown on marl-rich, Eocene soils. The vines benefit from a unique climate—protected by the Julian Alps and caressed by Adriatic breezes. Harvested by hand in the cool early hours, the grapes undergo gentle pressing and controlled steel fermentation. A minimum of eight months aging on fine lees gives the wine added depth.
Brilliant straw yellow in the glass, it reveals a bouquet of ripe pear, peach, and wildflowers. On the palate, it is crisp, well-balanced, and persistent. Perfect as an aperitif, this wine also pairs beautifully with seafood starters, light vegetable or shellfish-based first courses, and grilled fish. A versatile and stylish white wine, ideal for outdoor dinners and social gatherings.
Best enjoyed during: elegant aperitifs, summer dinners, seafood and vegetable-based meals.
This wine Pinot Grigio briefly
Denomination: Collio DOC
Vintage: 2023
Dosage: Dry
Grape variety: Pinot Grigio
Region: Friuli Venezia Giulia (IT), Capriva del Friuli (GO)
Refinement: Steel
Serving temperature: 8/10°C
Alcohol content: 14% vol.
Villa Russiz – The soul of Collio: a legacy of elegance, history, and social commitment
Villa Russiz is more than just a winery—it is a place where the noble character of Friulian land intertwines with a visionary spirit, turning wine into a symbol of cultural and social heritage. Founded in 1869 by French Count Theodor de La Tour and his Austrian wife Elvine Ritter, the estate rises among the sun-kissed hills of Capriva del Friuli, in the heart of Collio—one of Italy’s most prestigious wine regions. From the very beginning, Villa Russiz stood out by introducing advanced French-inspired winemaking techniques, paving the way for a legacy of high-quality production that still defines its identity today. The estate’s 50 hectares of vineyards grow on "ponca" soil—Collio’s signature marl—that lends the wines refined aromas and vibrant minerality. Villa Russiz's production philosophy blends agronomic precision, manual harvesting, and winemaking practices that respect the uniqueness of each varietal. Aging takes place in stainless steel or oak barrels, depending on the wine, enhancing the pure expression of each grape. The estate is renowned for its elegant, long-lived white wines—Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Pinot Grigio, Friulano, and Ribolla Gialla—and its structured reds like Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Iconic crus such as Graf de La Tour, Gräfin de La Tour, and Défi de La Tour represent the pinnacle of its production. What truly sets Villa Russiz apart is its social mission: a portion of the proceeds supports the Villa Russiz Foundation, which for over a century has cared for and supported children in need—honoring the humanitarian legacy of Elvine de La Tour. Each bottle, therefore, tells a story not only of soil and vine, but of compassion, dedication, and solidarity. A winery where enological excellence meets ethical purpose, making every glass a tribute to beauty and meaning.