Discover the Emilia-Romagna wine region of Italy

about this region

Nestled in the heart of Italy, Emilia Romagna emerges as a captivating wine region boasting a flat terrain shaped by the majestic Tuscan-Emilian Apennines. This land of abundance yields an astounding 6 million hectoliters of wine annually from its 53,000 hectares of vineyards, standing as a testament to its winemaking prowess. Emilia Romagna's climate is a tale of contrasting elements, with harsh winters and hot, humid summers. Yet, amidst this dynamic backdrop, a symphony of grape varietals thrives, crafting wines that captivate the senses.

Trebbiano Romagnolo, Albana, Pignoletto, Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Montù, Ortrugo, Chardonnay, and Trebbiano Modenese reign as the region's beloved white grape varieties, adding crispness, vibrancy, and aromatic allure to its wines. Meanwhile, Sangiovese, Ancellotta, and Merlot hold court as popular red grape contributors, lending depth, structure, and character to the region's red wines.

Renowned for its diverse terroirs, Emilia-Romagna offers an array of exceptional wines. From the rolling hills of Romagna to the fertile plains of Emilia, this region's climatic variation creates a fertile ground for grape cultivation. Known for producing top-quality varietals like Lambrusco, Sangiovese, and Albana, Emilia-Romagna captures the essence of Italian winemaking. Its wineries, deeply rooted in tradition, welcome wine enthusiasts to explore centuries-old cellars and savor unique tasting experiences. With a charming blend of history, culture, and oenological excellence, Emilia-Romagna stands as a captivating destination for wine connoisseurs and travelers alike.

Discover Terroir

The Emilia-Romagna wine region is located in the northern part of Italy and is one of the country's most important and diverse wine-producing areas. It extends across the central and eastern parts of the Emilia-Romagna region, covering a significant portion of the Po Valley.

Geographically, the Emilia-Romagna wine region is bordered by several Italian regions:

To the north: Lombardy and Veneto
To the east: The Adriatic Sea, which influences the climate of the coastal areas
To the south: Tuscany, Liguria, and Marche
To the west: Piedmont

The main cities in the Emilia-Romagna wine region include Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, and Parma, Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Ravenna, among others.

The region is known for its diverse geography, ranging from fertile plains in the Po Valley to rolling hills, and even the Apennine Mountains in the south. This varied topography contributes to the region's different microclimates, allowing for the cultivation of a wide range of grape varieties and the production of various wine styles.

Some of the well-known wine areas within the Emilia-Romagna wine region include:

Emilia: This sub-region, located in the western part of the region, is known for producing Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine. The main cities in this area include Modena, Reggio Emilia, and Parma.
Romagna: The Romagna sub-region, located in the eastern part of the region along the Adriatic coast, is known for producing Sangiovese-based wines, including Sangiovese di Romagna. The main cities in this area include Forlì-Cesena, Ravenna, and Rimini.
Colli Piacentini: This sub-region is located in the southwestern part of Emilia-Romagna, near the border with Lombardy. It is known for producing a variety of wines, including Gutturnio and Bonarda.

The Emilia-Romagna wine region's central location in Italy, along with its historical significance and culinary excellence, makes it a popular destination for wine enthusiasts and travelers alike.

The Emilia-Romagna wine region in Italy experiences a diverse range of climates due to its vast geographical expanse. The region stretches from the Apennine Mountains to the Adriatic Sea, encompassing both hilly areas and plains. As a result, the climate can vary significantly from one sub-region to another. Generally, the Emilia-Romagna wine region features a combination of Mediterranean and continental climates. Here are some key characteristics of the climate in the region:

Mediterranean Influence: The coastal areas of Emilia-Romagna, especially those close to the Adriatic Sea, are influenced by a Mediterranean climate. These areas typically experience mild winters and hot summers. The sea's proximity helps moderate temperatures, resulting in warmer winters and cooler summers compared to inland regions.
Continental Influence: Inland areas, including the hilly and mountainous regions, are more influenced by a continental climate. Here, the temperature range between winter and summer is more pronounced, and winters can be colder, while summers can be warmer than coastal areas.
Rainfall Distribution: Emilia-Romagna generally experiences a moderate amount of rainfall throughout the year. The coastal areas tend to receive more rainfall due to the influence of the sea, with precipitation distributed relatively evenly throughout the year. Inland areas may experience slightly drier summers.
Temperature Extremes: The region can experience occasional temperature extremes. During the summer, temperatures in the plains and valleys can rise to levels conducive to grape ripening, while winter temperatures in the mountainous areas may drop significantly.
Microclimates: The diverse geography of Emilia-Romagna gives rise to various microclimates within the region. For example, vineyards planted on hillsides and slopes may benefit from better drainage and sun exposure, leading to different ripening conditions compared to vineyards located on the valley floor.
Frost Risk: In some areas, especially the higher elevation vineyards, frost can pose a risk to the grapevines, particularly during springtime. Growers may use protective measures, such as wind machines or heaters, to mitigate frost damage.

The combination of diverse microclimates and different grape varieties grown throughout the Emilia-Romagna wine region contributes to a wide range of wine styles and expressions. This rich climatic diversity allows winemakers to produce a variety of wines, from sparkling Lambruscos to rich Sangiovese-based reds and aromatic Albana whites. If you want to learn more about the unique profile that Sangiovese wines can offer, check out our comprehensive In-Depth Profile.

The Emilia-Romagna wine region in Italy features a diverse range of soil types, which play a crucial role in shaping the terroir and influencing the character of the wines produced in the area. The region's geological history, combined with its varied topography, has given rise to several soil types across different sub-regions. Some of the main soil types found in the Emilia-Romagna wine region include:

Clay Soils: Clay soils are prevalent in many parts of the region, particularly in the plains of Emilia and the central areas. These soils are rich in nutrients and have good water retention capabilities, making them suitable for a variety of grape varieties. Clay soils contribute to wines with good structure and moderate acidity.
Limestone Soils: Limestone soils are found in some hilly and mountainous areas of the region, especially in the Apennine foothills. These soils are known for their mineral-rich composition and good drainage, which can impart a distinct mineral character to the wines.
Marl Soils: Marl is a mix of clay and limestone and is present in some parts of the Emilia-Romagna wine region. Marl soils offer a balanced combination of water retention and drainage, contributing to wines with a good balance of fruitiness and acidity.
Sand and Gravel Soils: Sandy and gravelly soils can be found in some areas, especially closer to the Po River and the Adriatic coast. These soils have excellent drainage properties and can contribute to wines with bright fruit flavors and freshness.
Alluvial Soils: Alluvial soils, deposited by rivers and streams, can be found in the flat plains of the region, particularly in the Po Valley. These soils are often fertile and contribute to the productivity of the vineyards in the area.
Volcanic Soils: In some areas of the region, especially in the southern part near the Apennines, there are volcanic soils due to the region's geological history. These soils can be rich in minerals and may contribute to wines with unique characteristics.

The varied soil types in the Emilia-Romagna wine region offer winemakers the opportunity to cultivate a wide range of grape varieties and produce diverse wine styles. Each soil type contributes specific attributes to the vines, resulting in wines that showcase the rich tapestry of the region's viticultural heritage.

Discover

Emilia-Romagna is a diverse wine region in Italy, known for its wide range of grape varieties and wine styles. The most commonly planted grape varietals in Emilia-Romagna. The following are some of the most prominent grape varieties in the region:

Red Grape Varieties:

Sangiovese: One of the most widely planted red grape varieties in Emilia-Romagna. It is prevalent in the sub-regions of Romagna, especially around the city of Forlì-Cesena and Rimini.
Lambrusco: Emilia-Romagna is famous for its sparkling red wines made from various Lambrusco varieties. The region has significant plantings of Lambrusco Salamino, Lambrusco Maestri, Lambrusco Grasparossa, and Lambrusco Sorbara, among others.
Barbera: Grown primarily in the provinces of Piacenza and Parma. This grape allows to produce a low tannic red wine with high acidity
Ancellotta: A lesser-known red grape variety that finds a home in Emilia-Romagna. It is used for both varietal wines and blending. The area under vine for Ancellotta can be a few hundred hectares.

White Grape Varieties:

Albana: One of the standout white grape varieties of Emilia-Romagna, and it is the region's first white grape to receive DOCG status (DOCG Romagna Albana). It is primarily grown in the province of Romagna, especially around the city of Forlì-Cesena.
Trebbiano: A widely planted white grape variety in Emilia-Romagna, used for both still and sparkling wines. It is grown in various sub-regions.
Malvasia: Another white grape variety grown in the region, and it is used in both still and sparkling wines.
Other: Amongst the other white grape varietals, with smaller area under vine, are Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay

The area under vine for each grape variety can fluctuate due to changes in market demand, winemaker preferences, and other factors influencing vineyard plantings.

Emilia-Romagna is known for producing a diverse range of italian wines with complex aromas and flavors, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences. Several wines have gained fame both nationally and internationally, showcasing the region's winemaking prowess and rich viticultural heritage. Some of the predominant wine styles in the Emilia-Romagna wine region include:

Lambrusco: Emilia-Romagna is famous for its production of Lambrusco, a sparkling red wine made from various Lambrusco grape varieties, and that shares some similarities with wines like the French Champagne , crafted in the region of the same name, or the Spanish Cava. The Lambrusco wine profile from the region can range from dry to sweet, and its for its lively bubbles, refreshing acidity, and fruit-forward flavors. This sparkling wine can be enjoyed as both aperitif and accompaniment to a wide array of Italian dishes.
Sangiovese di Romagna: Sangiovese is a typical wine from Emilia Romagna, particularly from the Romagna sub-region. Sangiovese di Romagna wines are typically medium to full-bodied, exhibiting flavors of red berries, cherries, candied fruit and earthy notes. These wines are known for their food-friendly nature and versatility in pairing with various dishes.
Albana di Romagna: Albana is a white grape variety that is native to the Romagna sub-region. It is used to produce Albana di Romagna wines in the Albana Romagna area, which can be made in different styles, from dry to sweet. Albana di Romagna wines often display a rich, aromatic profile with notes of stone fruits, floral nuances, and a pleasant acidity.
Pignoletto: Pignoletto is a white grape variety that is gaining popularity in the Pignoletto region. It is used to produce refreshing and crisp white wines, often with citrus and apple flavors. Pignoletto wines are especially appreciated as aperitifs and are an excellent expression of Emilia-Romagna's white wine potential.
Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay: Some areas within Emilia-Romagna, particularly in the Colli Piacentini sub-region, produce Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay wines of notable quality. These wines are typically elegant and expressive, showcasing the influence of the region's terroir on internationally renowned grape varieties.
Sparkling Wines: Emilia-Romagna is also known for its production of sparkling wines outside of Lambrusco, including Metodo Classico (traditional method) sparkling wines made from Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes.
Sweet Wines: The region produces various sweet wines, including dessert wines made from late-harvested grapes or dried on straw mats, such as the traditional Albana Passito and Cagnina.

These are just some of the prominent wine styles in the Emilia-Romagna wine region. The region's diverse terroir, indigenous grape varieties, and innovative winemaking practices contribute to an ever-expanding range of wine expressions that continue to captivate wine enthusiasts worldwide.

History of wine

Emilia-Romagna is a region steeped in winemaking tradition. The roots of grape cultivation stretch as far back as the 20th and 10th centuries BC. It was during this period that the earliest mentions of Lambrusco and the utilization of the Labrusca variety to produce wine emerged, casting a vine-clad spell over the region.

However, the flourishing wine culture faced a setback in 568 when the Longobard invasions struck, momentarily disrupting viticulture and wine production.

Fast forward to the dawn of the 20th century, when a new chapter began to unfold. Small private estates and growers' cooperatives emerged, shifting the focus of wine production towards a quantitative model. In 1960, the Consorzio Vini Tipici Romagnoli was established, paving the way for Colli Piacentini to be recognized as the first area with DOC status in 1967.

The 1970s marked another milestone in the region's vinous journey with the establishment of the Enoteca Regionale Emilia-Romagna, a testament to the growing appreciation for the region's wines. Finally, in 2011, Emilia-Romagna attained its latest triumph as Romagna joined the ranks with DOC status, solidifying the region's position as a prominent player in the world of wine.

Emilia-Romagna's winemaking narrative weaves together tales of resilience, innovation, and a deep-rooted connection to the land. Today, as you savour the delights of Emilia-Romagna's diverse wines, from the effervescent charm of Lambrusco to the bold expressions of the Labrusca variety, you embark on a sensory journey through time, paying homage to centuries of vinous craftsmanship and the enduring passion of the region's winemakers.