Casella

It is 1960 when Francesco Casella passionately and diligently starts his winemaking activity in the heart of the Colli Orientali del Friuli region, precisely within the municipality of Dolegna del Collio, in the valley of the Judrio River. Years later, his son Lino joins him in managing the estate, driven by a perhaps even stronger passion for the world of wine, which will lead him to enhance the local ampelographic platform, giving rise to the current winery.

The small vineyard area owned by the Casella family is dedicated to traditional varieties such as Schioppettino, Tazzelenghe, and Blaufrӓnkish (or Franconia) for black grape varieties, and Ribolla Gialla, Friulano, and Malvasia for white grapes. The vines, some of which are over 50 years old, benefit from soils composed of an alternation of marls and sandstones, originating from the sedimentation of pelagic debris in the Eocene epoch. The simultaneous presence of the Julian Alps and the marine breezes from the Adriatic creates exceptional microclimatic conditions, particularly suitable for vine cultivation. Harvests are carried out by hand, and fermentations occur spontaneously thanks to the natural yeasts present on the grapes and in the cellar environment.

Concrete tanks and barrels represent the winemaking containers where the reds are vinified and aged, while the whites are processed in stainless steel tanks with extended periods on their lees. In general, oenological operations are carried out in a non-invasive manner, always respecting the characteristics of the original terroir. The Casella winery's selection comprises solely single-varietal expressions, both white and red, of great authenticity and straightforwardness. These limited-release bottles encapsulate the mineral, fresh, and vertical character of Collio wines, with intense and crisp aromas.