Emilia-Romagna and its wines

TheEmilia-Romagna is one of Italy's most important wine regions, famous for its production of Lambrusco, one of the world's best-loved sparkling wines, and for its fresh whites and full-bodied reds. Located between the northern and central Italy, the region enjoys a great variety of soils and microclimates, which allow the production of a wide range of wines, from the frizzante wines of Emilia to the structured reds of Romagna.

Emilia is known for its Lambrusco and semi-sparkling wines, while Romagna is the land of Sangiovese di Romagna, one of the most appreciated reds in Italy. Among the whites, the standouts are Pignoletto, Albana and Trebbiano, perfect for accompanying the region's rich, flavourful cooking.

What is the Emilia-Romagna wine district?

Emilia-Romagna is divided into 2 major wine macro-areas, each with distinct characteristics:

• Emilia → Specialising in lightly sparkling and sparkling wines, such as Lambrusco and Pignoletto.
• Romagna → Famous for structured, long-lived reds, in particular Sangiovese di Romagna.

The main DOC and DOCG appellations include:

• Lambrusco DOC → The region's most celebrated lightly sparkling wine.
• Pignoletto DOCG and Colli Bolognesi Pignoletto DOCG → Aromatic, mineral whites.
• Sangiovese di Romagna DOC → An elegant, fruity red with good ageing potential.
• Albana di Romagna DOCG → The first Italian white wine to be granted DOCG status, also available as a passito.
• Gutturnio DOC → A lively red typical of the Colli Piacentini.

The Great Wine Regions of Emilia-Romagna

1. Emilia (Parma, Reggio Emilia, Modena, Bologna)

• Main grape varieties: Lambrusco, Pignoletto, Malvasia di Candia Aromatica.
• Style: Lightly sparkling reds and whites, fresh and aromatic sparkling wines.
• Famous appellations: Lambrusco di Sorbara DOC, Pignoletto DOCG, Malvasia dei Colli Piacentini DOC.

2. Romagna (Ravenna, Forlì, Cesena, Rimini)

• Main grape varieties: Sangiovese, Albana, Trebbiano.
• Style: Structured, long-lived reds, elegant and aromatic whites.
• Famous appellations: Sangiovese di Romagna DOC, Albana di Romagna DOCG, Trebbiano di Romagna DOC.

Characteristics of Emilia-Romagna Wines

Colour

• Reds: Bright ruby red in the Lambruscos, deeper and more intense in the Sangioveses.
• Whites: Straw yellow in the Pignoletto and Trebbiano, golden in the Albana.
• Lightly sparkling wines: Lively colours, with persistent perlage.

Aromas

• Fruity: Cherry, strawberry and blackberry in the Lambruschi; citrus and apple in the whites.
• Floral: White flowers in the Pignoletto; violet in the Sangiovese.
• Spicy and Mineral: Notes of black pepper in the reds, flint in the whites.

Palate

• Fresh and Lightly Sparkling: In the Lambrusco and Pignoletto wines, with lively acidity.
• Structured and Tannic: In the Sangiovese wines, with a great finish.
• Soft and Sweet: In the Albana passito wines.

Typical Grape Varieties of Emilia-Romagna

White Grape Varieties

• Pignoletto (Grechetto Gentile): Aromatic and mineral, perfect for sparkling wines and dry whites.
• Albana: Structured and long-lived, ideal for passito and sweet whites.
• Trebbiano Romagnolo: Fresh and easy-drinking, used in everyday white wines.

Black Grape Varieties

• Lambrusco (di Sorbara, Grasparossa, Salamino): Lightly sparkling and fruity, the symbol of the region.
• Sangiovese: Elegant and complex, typical of Romagna.
• Barbera and Bonarda: Found in the Colli Piacentini for fresh, fruity red wines.

Why Choose a Wine from Emilia-Romagna?

A wine from theEmilia-Romagna is perfect for those looking for tradition, conviviality and quality. From the Lively, fruity Lambrusco, ideal with Emilian cooking, with Structured, refined Sangiovese di Romagna, through to the elegant Pignoletto sparkling wines, this region offers wines for every occasion and taste.