Up until 1975, the father worked alone. He later was supported by his two sons, Gianni, an agronomist and Giorgio, the designated cellar master. Through the decade of the 70s, there was replanting of the vineyards with a continued improvement of quality. There was further fine-tuning through the 1990's.

Venica & Venica Pinot Grigio, Collio, Italy 2000
Price $23
Rating 90
The entry is well chiseled with lemon/citrus and mineral. There is delicate complexity throughout the long, refreshing length. The wines that are crafted by the brothers Gianni and Giorgio Venica are turning heads.

"The sauvignon blanc and the pinot grigio are the two wines that I go back to at the end of the day to enjoy with dinner," says Bryan Bukhart, partner of American importer Fairest Cape Beverage. They both are widely adaptable to a myriad of cuisines.

Venica & Venica Sauvignon Blanc, Collio, Italy 2000
Price $26
Rating 91
Charming herbal, maybe grassy notes to the first sip. There are white fruit elements like pear or baked apple, with delicate hints of spice and citrus. This beautiful white wine re-defines sauvignon blanc.

The vineyards possess well positioned and proven, mature vines. The production cellar is stellar. They are not fearful of experimentation and the results are impressive.

Venica & Venica Pinot Bianco, Collio, Italy 2000
Price $25
Rating 91
The nose is complex with mineral and delicate melon. There are rich flavors of lemon, orange peel, and ever so slight melon. The beautiful length boasts nice mineral complexity.

The wines as a whole tend to be described as having much personality. Match this ethereal pinot bianco with hard Italian cheese and well cured sausage or meat. A dab of mustard, some capers, and of course some olives would bring this match into the zone.

Venica & Venica Prime Note, Collio, Italy 1999
Price $28
Rating 92
Imagine a vivid fruit cocktail, not syrupy, just an attractive medley of different, vibrant fruits. Scoop, or sip, and enjoy. A sting of fruit essence can be a good thing and works well with sauces based with fruit. Imagine Duck ala'Orange or seared pork in a fruit sauce with this explosively flavored white wine.

The vineyards possess well positioned and proven, mature vines. The production cellar is stellar. They are not fearful of experimentation and the results are impressive. For more information, go to www.venica.it.

Venica & Venica Tre Vignis, Collio, Italy 1999
Price $31
Rating 91
"There is only a 300 case production," explains Bryan Bukhart, partner of American importer Fairest Cape Beverage, "so it may take effort between your wine merchant and yourself to obtain this special wine." It is less crisp than other wines from the producer, and there are delicate flavors of hazelnut toffee, cooked pear and cooked apple, this and more laced within other delicate oak nuances.

The brothers Venica & Venica are two to be watched. Their wines speak boldly and elegantly. For more information, go to www.venica.it.