Eugenio Collavini Winery – Part l

The History
Eugenio Collavini is one of the original, pioneering wine producers in Friuli-Venezia Giuli. Not only was Collavini the first in the area to introduce many different styles and techniques to the region, he also revived Ribolla Gialla and created the first sparkling wine from this varietal.

The history of Eugenio Collavini is quite interesting – beginning with the founder, Eugenio Collavini, who supplied wine to stores and noble families back in 1896, followed by his son Giovanni who led the wine estate and business through both world wars. The next generation, Manlio Collavini, who was Giovanni’s son, move the wine business to Corno di Rosazzo and where he introduced “advanced science of oenology” as well as established the head office with the purchase of a XVI Century Manor.

Manlio Collavini is a true pioneer and one of the most respected producers in Italy and is best known for reviving Friuli’s renowned autochthonous grape variety Ribolla Gialla, and bringing Friuli wines to global markets. Here are some of his accomplishments:

  1. Producing a new Pinot Grigio [fermented off the skins] vinified in white;
  2. Began bottling in transparent Bordeaux bottles [to show the pale and bright colours of his wines];
  3. In 1971 he created lI Grigio [trending sparkling wine/from Pinot Grigio grapes]; and
  4. At the end of the ‘70s he produced sparkling Ribolla Gialla, his biggest success to date! [this variety is rare and an ancient native Friuli variety] – this is known as the “Collavini Method”.

The wine estate remains family-owned and continues to be managed by Manlio and his two sons Giovanni and Liugi.

Dachshund Image in Corporate Branding
This logo is a symbol of love between Manlio Collavini and his first dachshund “Ribolla”, who has since passed and is now a tribute.  You will find Ribolla on the Pinot Grigio label.

Location
The wine estate is located in Corno di Rosazzo, with the vineyards being located in both Collio and Collio Orientali DOC appellations.  These two DOCs have had the highest accolades and awards in Friuli. Collio has an abundance of hills, slopes and terraces and is on the border of Slovenia. Collavini currently has 170 hectares under vines and produce 1.5 million bottles/year, with 50% being exported to 50 international markets.

Soil and Climate
Friuli has unique soil and climatic conditions.

The soils here consist of layers of marl and sandstone or ponca – this imparts salinity and a slight mineral edge to the wines.  Ponca is composed of marine fossils from the Adriatic Sea.

Winegrowing in Friuli is marked by the meeting of mountain and sea, rain and wind. This region exists on the edge of the Mediterranean climate, where summers are warm, springs threaten frost, fall is typically rainy, and vintage variation can be considerable

Grape Varieties:
The focus is on local indigenous varieties, including: Ribolla Gialla, Pignolo, Schiopettino and Fruliano, as well as some international varieties, particularly for sparkling wines.

Continues with …Eugenio Collavini Winery – Part ll – Tasting through the range with Luigi Collavini

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Berry Bros. & Rudd – Some History and the Women Behind the Brand

On my way to 67 Pall Mall Wine Club for a meeting, I had some time, so I wandered into No.3…Just stepping through the front door it was a feast for my senses …. the ancient floorboards, mahogany wall paneling, antique furniture, Royal Warrants, old wine books and catalogs.  Looking closer I saw portraits of former Royal family members who were regular customers, and a framed letter from the White Star Line informing Berry Brothers of the loss of 69 cases of wine and spirits in the sinking of the Titanic in 1912. What history! In short, the Berry Bros. & Rudd head office is a historian’s dream.

No. 3 St. James’s Street, London

No. 3 St. James’s Street is now used as the company’s headquarters. No.3, as it’s known, contained Berry Bros. & Rudd’s main retail premises until mid-2017, when these moved around the corner to a purpose-built shop at 63 Pall Mall.

Berry Bros. & Rudd, founded in 1698, and is Britain’s oldest, family-owned wine and spirits merchant. Still trading from No.3 St James’s Street, London, they have two Royal Warrants and five Masters of Wine on staff. Their services also include Other services it offers include wine investment, wine storage, a wine club, tutored tastings, wine events and educational courses.

Royal Warrants

Berry Bros. & Rudd has been the official wine supplier to the British Royal Family since King George III and received its first Royal Warrant of Appointment in 1903 from King Edward VII. Queen Elizabeth II granted the company her royal warrant in 1952, while Prince Charles, now King Charles lll, granted his in 1998.

Despite being 324 years old in 2022, Berry Bros. & Rudd remains at the forefront of wine and spirits innovation. Their current range of over than 4,000 wines is sourced from over 25 countries.

Berry Bros. & Rudd seems to embrace progress, and at the same time value their traditions. Still run by members of the Berry and Rudd families and they also continue to supply the British Royal Family, since King George III.

Women of Berry Bros. & Rudd

Berry Bro & Rudd has been run by the same two families for centuries; It has survived world wars and pandemics, but there is a fleet of female leaders who have shown, and now show that this historic business can and emerge stronger than ever.

The family firm began life as a grocery store in 1698, founded by a woman now known as “Widow Bourne.”

Elizabeth Rudd “Lizzy” is the current Chairman, who is currently planting the seed for the next generation with her ambitious sustainability plans and creating affordable wine investments.

Emma Fox, Chief Executive Officer, was appointed July 2020.  She has been an independent director of the firm’s board since October 2017.

“Over the past few years as a director, I have got to know BB&R very well, I share its values and am passionate about a culture where people flourish and have fun,” Fox said.

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