La Ponca estate in Collio gains recognition for wines shaped by ancient ponca soil and sustainable practices

In the hills of Scriò, in the heart of Italy’s Collio region, La Ponca estate is making a name for itself with wines that reflect the unique character of their land. The estate, acquired by Alex Maccan in 2021, sits at the highest point of Collio, at the base of the Korada mountain complex. Maccan’s decision to purchase this specific property was driven by a desire to capture and share the soul of the Scriò Hills through wine.

La Ponca covers 12 hectares of vineyards surrounded by 45 hectares of forest. The location benefits from a distinctive microclimate created by cold air descending from Mount Korada and the Bora wind from the east. This constant ventilation, combined with favorable slopes and altitude, supports organic farming and healthy grape development.

The defining feature of La Ponca is its soil, known locally as “ponca.” This marl and sandstone formation dates back about 65 million years. The roots of the vines dig deep into this ancient bedrock, drawing up minerals that give the wines their signature salinity. The estate’s vineyards are divided into six plots—Pacial, Petris, Paglizza, Casa Rossa, Skal, and Ronc—ranging from 180 to 320 meters above sea level. Each plot contributes to the diversity and complexity found in La Ponca’s wines.

La Ponca produces six labels from both native and international grape varieties: Ribolla Gialla, Malvasia, Friulano, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Schioppettino. Across all these wines, a distinct saline note stands out—a direct result of the ponca soil. This characteristic has become a hallmark of the estate’s production.

Maccan emphasizes a simple and sustainable approach to winemaking. After years spent researching and tasting wines across Collio, he chose this site because he believed it offered the best opportunity to create pure wines that express the place and culture of Collio. The estate follows organic farming practices in the vineyard and minimal intervention in the cellar. The goal is to let each grape variety and plot speak for itself, preserving the natural qualities that make Collio wines unique.

The team at La Ponca faces daily challenges due to fragile soils, steep slopes, and unpredictable weather. Despite these difficulties—or perhaps because of them—the estate has developed a philosophy centered on respect for nature and balance between land and people. The work is carried out by an experienced team committed to allowing true terroir expression to emerge through harmony with nature and careful attention to seasonal rhythms.

Maccan describes his project as an ongoing journey shaped by time and experience. Each harvest brings new insights into the land’s potential and further refines La Ponca’s identity. As he walks through his vineyards or tastes his wines, he reflects on how far the estate has come since its founding just a few years ago—and looks forward to what lies ahead.

La Ponca’s story is one of dedication to place and tradition, with every bottle offering a taste of Collio’s landscape and history. Through careful stewardship of their land and a commitment to expressing its character in their wines, La Ponca continues to build its reputation as a producer deeply rooted in its territory.