Emilia-Romagna Wine

Emilia-Romagna is home to a diverse range of grape varieties contributing to the region’s impressive wine portfolio. Let’s look at some of the notable white and red grapes grown in this enchanting region.

White Grapes

Pignoletto is a white grape variety that shines in Emilia-Romagna. Its aromatic profile and vibrant acidity make it a delightful choice for wine enthusiasts. Pignoletto wines offer a symphony of flavors, ranging from juicy pear and green apple to delicate floral notes. Whether enjoyed alone or with light seafood dishes, Pignoletto will leave a lasting impression on your palate.

The Albana grape produces rich and flavorful white wines with a golden color. It is the only grape variety in Italy to have its own DOCG designation, which is the highest level of quality assurance for Italian wines. With its distinct characteristics and historical significance, Albana wines are a true gem of Emilia-Romagna.

Trebbiano, also known as Ugni Blanc, is a versatile white grape that thrives in the Emilia-Romagna region. It is one of Italy’s most widely planted grape varieties and is used to produce a range of wines, from crisp and refreshing whites to rich and complex blends. Trebbiano wines are characterized by their bright acidity, citrus flavors, and subtle herbal notes. Whether enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with seafood or creamy pasta dishes, Trebiano adds elegance and freshness to any occasion.

Ortrugo is a unique white grape variety that is indigenous to Emilia-Romagna. It produces light-bodied wines with crisp acidity and delicate flavors of green apple, white flowers, and a hint of almond. Ortrugo wines are often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with fresh salads and seafood dishes. With their vibrant character and refreshing nature, they are a true representation of the region’s winemaking legacy.

Chardonnay has also found a home in Emilia-Romagna, where it is grown with care and precision. This popular white grape variety creates rich, buttery, and full-bodied wines. With flavors of tropical fruits, vanilla, and a hint of oak, Chardonnay from Emilia-Romagna is perfect for those who enjoy a bold and indulgent white wine experience.

Sauvignon Blanc is a refreshing white grape variety that thrives in the cool climate of Emilia-Romagna. It produces vibrant and zesty wines with notes of citrus, passion fruit, and fresh herbs. The crisp acidity of Sauvignon Blanc makes it a perfect choice for pairing with seafood dishes or enjoying on a warm summer day.

Malvasia is another noteworthy white grape variety grown in Emilia-Romagna. It is known for producing aromatic and medium-bodied wines with hints of tropical fruits, honey, and flowers. Malvasia wines are often enjoyed as an aperitif or paired with light appetizers.

Moscato is known for its sweet and aromatic qualities, and Emilia-Romagna is no exception to this rule. The region produces luscious Moscato wines with flavors of ripe peaches, apricots, and floral undertones. With their natural sweetness and gentle fizz, Moscato wines are a delightful treat on their own or paired with light desserts such as fruit tarts or creamy custards.

Red Grapes

Lambrusco is the family of red grapes that go into Lambrusco wines. Lambrusco has six main varieties that are commonly found in the Emilia region of Italy. These include Lambrusco Grasparossa, Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Marani, Lambrusco Montericco, Lambrusco Salamino, and Lambrusco Sorbara. All of these grapes are indigenous to the region and are not clones or sub-clones. Each variety offers a unique flavor profile and characteristics that make them distinct from one another.

Sangiovese is the pride and joy of Emilia-Romagna’s red wine production. This native grape variety creates bold, full-bodied, tannic red wines with vibrant acidity and robust flavors. Expect to find notes of ripe cherry, plum, and earthy undertones in Sangiovese wines from this region. Whether enjoyed with a hearty pasta dish or aged to perfection, Sangiovese showcases the true essence of Emilia-Romagna’s winemaking tradition.

Possibly of Romagnan origin, Sangiovese is more famous in Tuscany but makes distinctive wines throughout the Apennine foothills from Bologna to Rimini.

Bonarda is a lesser-known red grape variety that is gaining recognition in Emilia-Romagna. It produces medium-bodied wines with juicy red fruit flavors, such as raspberry and blackberry, along with hints of spice and earthiness. Bonarda wines are versatile and can be enjoyed on their own or paired with various dishes, from grilled meats to aged cheeses. Keep an eye out for this hidden gem when exploring the red wines of Emilia-Romagna.

Barbera, another red wine gem from Emilia-Romagna, offers a different flavor profile than Sangiovese. Known for its high acidity and low tannins, Barbera wines are vibrant and lively on the palate. Expect to taste notes of red cherry, blackberry, and a touch of spice in these wines. Their versatility allows Barbera wines to be paired with various dishes, including tomato-based pasta sauces, roasted meats, or even a simple pizza Margherita. Whether sipping it on a warm summer day or pairing it with your favorite Italian dish, Barbera will surely delight your taste buds.

While Emilia-Romagna is renowned for its indigenous grape varieties like Sangiovese and Bonarda, it also offers a taste of the classic Cabernet Sauvignon. This international varietal has found its home in the region, showcasing the unique character of Emilia-Romagna’s terroir.

Cabernet Sauvignon from Emilia-Romagna presents a rich and full-bodied experience. Deep red in color, it carries intense flavors of black currant, dark cherry, and subtle hints of tobacco and cedar. The region’s climate and soil impart a distinct balance to these flavors, resulting in a harmonious and well-structured wine.

The Cabernet Sauvignon of Emilia-Romagna pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes such as grilled steaks, lamb chops, or rich mushroom risotto. Its robust nature can withstand bold flavors, and its smooth tannins provide a satisfying finish.

Merlot, a popular red wine varietal, also thrives in the region of Emilia-Romagna. Known for its smooth and velvety texture, Merlot wines offer a delightful drinking experience.

In Emilia-Romagna, Merlot displays characteristics of ripe plum, blackberry, and hints of chocolate. With its medium to full body, this wine is perfect for those who appreciate a well-rounded and balanced flavor profile.

The Emilia-Romagna region is famous for producing the sparkling red wine – Lambrusco. Additionally, the region has 2 Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita (DOCG) zones, 19 Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) wines, and 9 Typical Geographical Indication (IGT) wines.

Sparkling Wines

Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine, is the pride of Emilia-Romagna. This unique wine is made from several different varieties of Lambrusco grapes, each contributing its own distinct character to the final blend.

Known for its vibrant purple color and lively bubbles, Lambrusco wines are as refreshing as they are delightful. With flavors of red berries, cherries, and a touch of sweetness, Lambrusco is the perfect choice for casual gatherings or to accompany a plate of charcuterie.

There are four different Lambrusco DOCs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata) in this region, each with its own unique characteristics and flavor profile. The four DOCs are:

This prestigious designation is reserved for the wines produced in the Sorbara area of Emilia-Romagna. Known for their pale pink color and delicate aroma, Lambrusco di Sorbara wines offer a refreshing and elegant experience. With flavors of wild strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of citrus, these wines are perfect for a sunny day or as an aperitif.

Named after the Grasparossa variety of Lambrusco grapes grown in the Castelvetro area, this DOC produces wines with a deep red color and intense aromas. The Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro wines are known for their rich flavors of blackberries, plums, and hints of spice. They pair beautifully with hearty dishes like braised meats or aged cheeses.

The Salamino variety of Lambrusco grapes grown in the Santa Croce area gives these wines their distinctive character. With a deep ruby red color and lively effervescence, Lambrusco Salamino di Santa Croce wines are a true delight for the senses. These wines boast flavors of ripe cherries, black currants, and a subtle earthiness. They are the perfect companion to grilled meats or pasta dishes with rich sauces.

Produced around Reggio Emilia, Lambrusco Reggiano wines capture the essence of Emilia-Romagna’s winemaking heritage. With a vibrant ruby-red color and persistent bubbles, these wines are a feast for the eyes and the palate. Lambrusco Reggiano DOC wines are known for their robust flavors of red berries, plums, and a touch of balsamic vinegar. The combination of fruitiness and acidity makes them an ideal pairing for traditional Emilian dishes like tortellini or Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.

WHITE WINES

Emilia-Romagna is also home to wines with the prestigious Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG) status. These wines undergo strict regulations and quality controls, ensuring they meet the highest standards of winemaking excellence.

Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto is a delightful white wine that hails from the hilly region of Bologna. Made from the Pignoletto grape variety, this wine offers a crisp and refreshing taste with notes of green apple, citrus, and a touch of almond. Its lively acidity makes it a perfect companion for seafood dishes, light salads, or simply as an aperitif on a warm summer evening.

The Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto region takes great pride in producing wines that reflect the unique terroir of the area.

Albana Romagna is another noteworthy wine from the Emilia-Romagna region. Made from the Albana grape, this white wine is renowned for its floral and fruity aromas, with hints of pear, peach, and a touch of minerality. It has a medium body and a pleasant acidity that balances out its sweetness. Albana Romagna pairs beautifully with seafood dishes, light cheeses, or even as a delightful accompaniment to a fresh fruit salad.

It has gained recognition not only for its exceptional taste but also for its historical significance. Romagna Albana was the first white wine in Italy recognized as a DOCG, highlighting its importance in Italian winemaking history.

RED WINES

Sangiovese di Romagna is a prominent red wine from the Emilia-Romagna region. Made from the Sangiovese grape variety, this wine showcases a rich and robust flavor profile with notes of ripe cherry, plum, and a hint of spice. Its smooth tannins and balanced acidity make it a versatile wine that pairs well with a variety of dishes, including pasta with rich meat sauces, grilled meats, and aged cheeses.

Sweet Wines

Albana di Romagna Passito is a luscious dessert wine that embodies the heritage of the Emilia-Romagna region. This sweet wine is made from dried Albana grapes and showcases intense flavors of honey, dried apricot, and exotic spices. Its velvety texture and lingering finish make it the perfect companion for indulgent desserts like tiramisu or crème brûlée.

The production process of Albana di Romagna Passito involves carefully selecting perfectly ripe grapes and allowing them to dry on straw mats for several weeks. This traditional method concentrates the sugars and flavors of the grapes, resulting in a rich and full-bodied wine. Albana di Romagna Passito is a true reflection of the passion and skill of the winemakers of Emilia-Romagna.

Other Wines

Wines with Denomination of Controlled Origin (DOC) in Emilia-Romagna are a testament to the region’s commitment to producing high-quality wines that embody the essence of the land.

In addition to the wines already previously mentioned, the other 16 DOC wines are:

• Bosco Eliceo
• Bologna Hills
• Hills of Imola
• Hills of Faenza
• Hills of Parma
• Hills of Rimini
• Scandiano and Canossa Hills
• Colli Piacentini
• Central Romagna Hills
• Gutturnio
• Modena
• Ortrugo of the Piacenza Hills
• Pignoletto
• Reggiano
• Rhine
• Romagna

Emilia-Romagna is also known for its exquisite wines with Typical Geographical Indication (IGT). These IGT wines showcase the diversity and versatility of the region, offering a wide range of flavors and styles to delight wine enthusiasts.

The 9 IGT wines are:

• White of Castelfranco Emilia
• Emilia or Emilia
• Forli
• Fort of Taro
• Ravenna
• Rubicon
• Sillaro or Bianco del Sillaro
• Lands of Veleja
• Val Tidone

Emilia-Romagna offers a wide range of options to suit every palate.