Rocca Bernarda, a small estate at Ipplis in the Colli Orientali del Friuli, has been making wine since 1567 in what is widely considered Italy's best region for aromatic, well-structured white wines. The property is owned by the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, organized during the Crusades to provide protected way stations for pilgrims to the holy land. Today, Rocca Bernarda uses profits from management of its property for charitable causes around the world.
The estate began extensive renovation to its vineyards and buildings in 1994 under the supervision of consulting enologist Marco Monchiero. 40 acres of vineyards on gentle slopes surrounding the castle have received special attention. New plantings and improved cultivation methods are providing ripe, intensely flavored fruit on a site with a well-established reputation for high quality.
This winery is famous for its Picolit and has reproduced disease-resistant vines from its own stocks. |
