Emilia-Romagna
The region of Emilia-Romagna is filled with many wonderful vineyards. The major wine producing towns in the region are Bertinoro, Forli, Modena, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia, and, of course, the capital city of Bologna.
The vineyards of Emilia Romagna are in four major production zones that stretch from the Apennine hills to the banks of the Po River and the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Trebbiano and Sangiovese account for almost half of the varietals grown in the region. The pride of Emilia-Romagna is the Albana di Romagna DOCG.
Emilia-Romagna boasts some of the most fertile plains in Italy. The majority of Emilian wines are light-weight and zesty. While the Sangiovese grape is growing in popularity, the most famous wine produced in the region--often too little appreciated abroad--is the dry Lambrusco. It's made for consumption within a year and when exported a sweeter and less traditional variety is most commonly shipped, which accounts for its bad reputation, at least until its recent renaissance. The original dry Lambrusco is the best pairing for the foods of this region.
One must try at least two regional delicacies when drinking Emilia Romagna wines: Prosciutto di Parma sliced very thin and Parmagiano-Reggiano cheese served in chunks.
Wine Trail
* In Bologna, visit Drogheria della Rosa (tel. 051222529) on Via Cartoleria 10.
This small restaurant has an exceptional wine list. This former drug store will give you a great variety of the regions wines as well as letting you enjoy Bologna's unique cuisine that is widely known as some of the best in Italian flavors. Although this is not a vineyard, Bologna is a must-stop for the dining experience.
* In Ozzano Taro, visit Monte delle Vigne (tel. 0521809105) at Via Costa 25.
This winery is made up of four different estates Montebianco, Santagostino, Buca della Volpe, and Botazza. The main office is near Ozzano Taro, on the Montebianco portion, located 20 km from Parma and just 5 km from the highway toll at Fornova Taro.
* In Rivergaro, Alfeo is the favored wine at La Stoppa (tel. 0523958159).
This winery is managed by Angelo Braga and his daughter Elena who, along with their friend and technical consultant Giulio Armani, are committed to producing excellent quality wines. The wine to try at this vineyard is the Alfeo, a very unique Pinot Nero, aged in small oak barrels for about 8 months.
* Stop at Villa Peirano (tel. 0523875146) in Vigolzone, a very exclusive vineyard with a rich history.
* Monte San Pietro's Bonzara (tel. 0516768324). The vineyard offers a restaurant, farmhouse and museum for the best in wine-tasting experiences.
* In Castel San Pietro Terme, visit Umberto Casari (tel. 051940234) at Via Stanzano 1120.
* Don't miss Tre Monti (tel. 0542657116) at Via Lola 3 in Imola. This is one of the few wineries awarded the Vitivinicoltori Italiani di Eccellenza designation.
* In Bertinoro, stop at the Fattoria Paradiso (tel. 0543445044) at Via Palmeggiana 285.
Festivals and Culinary Events
* May: Predappio-Bruschetta and Sangiovese Festival
* June: Castel San Giovanni-Malvasia Show
* September: Bomporto-Lambrusco di Sorbara Festival; Castelvetro di Modena-Grape-Harvest and Lambrusco Festival
* November: Imola-National Sangiovese Week