The Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio, representing producers in the northeastern Italian wine region of Collio, has officially voted to include orange wines in its production specifications. This decision, finalized during a recent consortium assembly, marks a significant step for the region, known for being a pioneer in the modern orange wine movement.
The integration of wines made from white grapes where the juice is fermented with the skins had been under discussion for several terms, but it wasn’t until 2022 that real progress was made, driven by a newly elected board and pressure from their certification body, Valoritalia. A technical committee, involving various stakeholders in the skin-contact wine sector, worked for two years to finalize the details before the vote took place in December.
While specific technical details are still being worked out, key aspects already agreed upon include a maximum volatile acidity level that mirrors that of red wines and a minimum maceration time of seven days for the orange wines. One innovative element of the new specification is the use of the Pantone scale for color codification, allowing for transparent evaluations of the wines. Labels will indicate the exact Pantone shade, helping consumers better understand what to expect from unfamiliar bottles.
Though the motion passed with a majority of 72%, some concerns were raised. A faction within the consortium feared that the introduction of a distinct wine category might confuse consumers, especially since the region has historically focused on producing purity-driven white wines.
Nonetheless, the decision reflects Collio’s vital role in the global resurgence of skin-contact wines. The consortium believes there is significant international interest in orange wines, and as such, they felt compelled to officially recognize this integral aspect of the region’s viticultural history.
Before the new specifications can be implemented, they must undergo bureaucratic approval by the Italian Ministry and the European Commission, a process expected to take approximately a year. Consequently, Collio’s first Vini da Uve Macerate could potentially become available in the market with the next vintage.
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