Biography
Located in the Collio appellation, at Cormons to be precise, one of Italy’s finest zones for white wine, the Renato Keber winery represents one of the most interesting estates in the oenological panorama of Friuli. The house concentrates its energies and attention on white wines, a logical decision considering its geographical position, but its red wines are equally appreciated by critics and consumers. The vineyards extend over some 32 acres on the hillsides of Zegla Plessiva, and the grapes varieties which are cultivated, divided between the native grapes of the region and well known international varieties, are Tocai Friulano, Pinot Bianco and Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Renato Keber, winemaker as well as proprietor of the estate, gives equal attention to the vineyards and the cellar: his wines, clean and elegant, are an excellent expression of the typical character of the Collio appellation, a balanced compromise between tradition and innovation. His top offerings, both red and white, excellent wines which have been well received by critics both in Italy and abroad, range from the very fine Beli Grici, a Collio Bianco DOC which blends Pinot Bianco, Ribolla, Tocai, and Sauvignon, a brilliant straw yellow, floral and peachy, fresh and tasty, to the Chardonnay Riserva Grici, a wine of real personality. And to red wines such as the Merlot Riserva Grici, a Collio Rosso DOC which blends Cabernet Franc and Merlot. And if the Collio Tocai Friulano is a wine noted for its elegance, the standard bearer of the estate was and is the cru, the Tocai Riserva Zegla, independently of the dispute over whether the wine can or cannot be called by the name Tocai. A lovely straw yellow, brilliant, luminous, it is balanced in aroma, elegant, with much finesse, delicate in its sensations of almonds, wild flowers, and ripe yellow fruit. On the palate it is soft and creamy, balanced, pleasurably fresh, with long notes of yellow fruit, aromatic herbs, tasty minerals and a long finish with almonds on the aftertaste. An excellent match to barley soup, pasta and bean soup, risotto with herbs and vegetables, spring omelettes, white meat and matured cheese.