Duca Catemario

Terroir Summary:

Within Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Collio lies in the far eastern part of the region between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic Sea, close to both Austria and Slovenia. Cooling nighttime air helps preserve acidity and aromatic definition in the grapes. The area’s ponca soils—an ancient mix of layered marl and sandstone rich in marine fossils—are central to the wines’ freshness, saltiness, flinty character and minerality. The Pinot Grigio is grown around Corno di Rosazzo on the western edge of the Collio DOC arc, where the climate is mild and protected. The Refosco draws fruit from Corno di Rosazzo, Premariacco, Cividale del Friuli and Faedis.

Philosophy:

Duca Catemario’s style can be understood through a broader Friulian philosophy of respect for territory, careful winemaking and understated excellence. The winegrowing team describes its approach as one of love and care, with stability, strong relationships with local growers and precision in the winery. The wines remain elegantly true to themselves rather than following fashions. This is reflected in Duca Catemario’s focus on freshness, texture, balance and regional authenticity. In the cellar, the Pinot Grigio sees a short, cool maceration on skins followed by stainless steel fermentation and lees maturation, while the Refosco is fermented and matured entirely in stainless steel to preserve buoyancy, lift and varietal character.

Current Range:

Duca Catemario Pinot Grigio Collio DOC – A Pinot Grigio that speaks clearly of Collio rather than neighbouring Veneto, this is a fuller, more textural expression shaped by the region’s cool nights, hillside fruit and distinctive ponca soils of layered marl and sandstone. This wine offers real silkiness, savoury grip and mineral drive, wrapped around a palate of depth and quiet power.

Duca Catemario Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso Friuli DOC – Refosco here is all about energy, brightness and drinkability, showing just how compelling this Friulian variety can be when handled for freshness. Although deeply coloured, the palate is notably juicy, lively and lifted, with vibrant acidity carrying briary fruit to a fresh, savoury finish. That bright, nervy profile is also helping Refosco find a small but growing place in Australia, including in the foothills of Victoria’s alpine area.