In 1787, guided by the vision of Empress-Queen Maria Theresa, ruler of the Habsburg dynasty, the world’s first CRU vineyard classification was introduced, recognizing the exceptional wine-growing areas of Collio, Colli Orientali, Goriška Brda, Lower Soča Valley, Vipava Valley, Aquileia, and Karst.
This historical document, discovered in the archives of the Counts Formentini and Attems by renowned historian Stefano Cosma, reveals a precise classification of vineyards into nine quality categories in the former County of Gorizia and Gradisca. These categories remain the foundation of the outstanding wines of this cross-border wine region to this day.
Stefano Cosma, a distinguished historian, shed new light on this revolutionary classification through his research in the archives of the Counts Formentini. Nearly a century before Burgundy, it established the standards for recognizing the finest vineyard sites. His discovery has inspired a new generation of winemakers to revive this heritage.
Charles-Louis de Noüe, a member of the prestigious Burgundian wine family Domaine Leflaive, and Alis Marinič,, a descendant of a traditional winemaking family from Goriška Brda, founded the Association of the Cru Classification of Empress-Queen Maria Theresatogether with fellow winemakers. This association brings together winemakers from both sides of the border, who passionately craft wines worthy of an imperial heritage.
The document reveals a precise classification of vineyards that still define our region today.
The cross-border region between Slovenia and Italy covers approximately 200 km² of hills..
This mineral-rich soil gives the wines a refined minerality and a unique taste.
Mediterranean climate, with warm days and cool nights, creates ideal conditions for producing exceptional wines.
Vineyards, already classified into nine quality categories in the 18th century, continue to be cultivated today with the same passion and expertise. An archival map shows the precise boundaries of these vineyards, which, thanks to their exceptional wines, have become part of the world’s wine map. The region unites Slovenian and Italian traditions, creating a unique wine culture that inspires wine lovers around the globe.
For the exclusive charity auction, taking place for the fourth time in October 2025, winemakers annualy contribute a 225-liter barrel of wine from their finest vineyard, classified as a CRU site. The funds raised support the restoration of the Franciscan Monastery of Kostanjevica, including the renovated frescoes and the wine cellar known as the “Cellar of Great Wines of Friendship and Peace,” the restoration of the Coronini Cronberg Palace in Gorizia, and the promotion of the cross-border wine territory. Each wine, carefully selected by a special commission, tells the story of the tradition and quality of this distinguished wine-growing land.
The winning bidder receives 300 numbered Burgundy bottles, each bearing their signature on an exclusive commemorative label specially designed for this occasion, featuring the Contea emblem.
