Pie di Mont – a small and wonderful reality of the Friulian Collio

Pie di Mont is a charming little winery in the heart of the Collio Friulano and the only winery in the region to produce exclusively Classic Method sparkling wines. In the vineyard, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Ribolla Gialla vines coexist harmoniously in proportions that reflect in the wines. The woods surrounding the vineyards, owned by the estate, provide natural protection during the summer, creating an ideal microclimate that enriches the products.

The Winery History

Founded in 1983 by Paolo Rizzi, the winery began its journey by hand-planting cuttings on the steep hills of Collio. With the arrival of his son Roman, the focus shifted towards the Classic Method sparkling wines, always respecting biodiversity and the territory. Roman is so innovative that, in early 2024, he was included in the top 100 Italian excellence for Forbes.

Located to the southeast, the vineyard benefits from the morning breeze that dries the leaves and reduces diseases. Behind it, the owned forest is untouched to protect the vineyard. In summer, the temperature range of 10 degrees at sunset preserves the aromas of the grapes, allowing for harvest in September when the grapes are perfectly ripe; the quality of the ripe fruit is crucial not only for taste but also for the wine’s digestibility.

The plants in the vineyard are dense, about 80 centimetres apart, and the bunches don’t get thinned to mature peacefully on the vine. Harvesting is manual, and the three grape varieties are wine made separately: the Pinot Noir, then the Chardonnay, and the Ribolla Gialla is the last one.

During wine-making, the three grapes are wine made separately. The Chardonnay undergoes short ageing of three months in barrels, of which only 5% is new. Subsequently, the cuvée is created and bottled. The wine rests on the lees for at least 33 months and, after disgorging, an additional year in the cellar.

The Other Bubbles

In addition to Pie di Mont, in favourable years, Piè di Mont produces other labels and reserves like Blanc de Blanc, Blanc de Noir, and Fifty-Fifty, all sparkling wines made using the classic method; the winery has recently planted a new Pinot Noir vineyard for the production of the Blanc de Noir sparkling wine, but it will take at least 8 years before we can taste it.