THE TERROIR
The terroir, this combination of fundamental factors such as soil, climate, man, and the grapevine, has the power to impart unique characteristics to the wine. Our vineyards are located on the gentle hills of Sogliano (FC) and benefit from the influences of the nearby Adriatic Sea, which brings its beneficial breezes, helping create the climatic conditions of a unique terroir.
The soil composition is characterized by the presence of marine-origin tuff, the Spungone; a porous limestone rock with fossil deposits of shells, rich in minerals and nutrients ideal for vine cultivation, and capable of giving the wines a particular complexity and minerality.
THE GRAPE VARIETIES
The pride of the estate is the recovery of ancient indigenous grape varieties like Albana, known since Roman times. In addition, international varieties find in this terroir the optimal conditions to offer excellent quality levels.
ALBANA
Albana is an ancient indigenous grape variety, known since the time of ancient Rome. It was mentioned in the writings of Cato and Pliny the Elder, and it is very likely that the origin of its name comes from the Latin word albus, referring to the white color, though some believe it refers to the Colli Albani, considering that area the origin of the grapes that the Romans brought to the lands around the Rubicon. It is said that around 400 A.D., Galla Placidia, daughter of the Roman Emperor Theodosius the Great, stopped with her entourage in Romagna. There, they offered her the local blonde wine, Albana, in a terracotta bowl. Galla Placidia was delighted with the wine and, raising the bowl, exclaimed, 'Not so humbly should you be drunk, but rather you should be drunk in gold,' giving the name to the town of Bertinoro, always considered the cradle of Albana. Albana wines are traditionally produced in four types: Dry, Sweet, Dessert, and Passito.
RIESLING
The Riesling grape originates, as its name suggests, from the Rhine Valley in Germany. In these areas, especially in the Moselle region, the Riesling is widely cultivated and produces wines with surprising results, particularly late harvest and passito wines, often with noble rot, and the famous “Eiswein.” Riesling is the most important grape in Germany and represents what Chardonnay is for France. In Italy, it is mainly cultivated in Trentino-Alto Adige, Oltrepò Pavese, Veneto, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. One of the peculiarities of Riesling is its remarkable resistance to cold, which makes it suitable for cultivation only in regions with a rather harsh climate.
CHARDONNAY
Chardonnay is a grape variety of French origin, native to Burgundy, from where its most prized and famous wines come, and from here it spread to become one of the most widely cultivated white grape varieties in the world. Chardonnay is used in the best classic method sparkling wines worldwide and is also known for its great aging potential. Italy has a long tradition of cultivating Chardonnay, especially in the subalpine region.
TREBBIANO ROMAGNOLO
The Trebbiano Romagnolo grape, spread from the Bologna area to Romagna, originates from central Italy, like most other grapes in the Trebbiano family. These grapes have been known in Italy since Roman times, and their name comes from the Latin Trebula, meaning farm. Pliny the Elder in his writings describes "Vinum Trebulanum," which, according to this interpretation, means "village wine" or "homemade wine." Trebbiano Romagnolo is an interesting grape, particularly for its vigor and late budding abilities, and it can be cultivated on any soil while maintaining consistently high yields.
SANGIOVESE
Sangiovese is the most widely cultivated red grape variety in Italy, covering 11% of the country’s total vineyard area. It is grown from Romagna to Campania and is the most common variety in Tuscany. Sangiovese is a key component in many famous wines, including Carmignano, Rosso Piceno, Rosso Conero, Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Sangiovese di Romagna, and many others. Sangiovese has ancient origins and is known as far back as the 1500s. It likely has Etruscan roots, particularly from the area north of the Tiber and south of the Arno, from where it spread beyond the Apennines and into the hills of Romagna and Emilia.
CARMENÈRE
The Carmenère grape originates from the ancient "Vitis Biturica" of Albanian origin, brought to France by the Romans. Its name may come from "carminio," referring to the intense purple color of the wine produced from it. All Bordeaux grape varieties are thought to have originated from this vine. Carmenère is delicate and subject to flower abortion, which is why its cultivation was almost completely abandoned in France, and it is now most widely grown in Chile. Thanks to its success in Chile, Carmenère is now considered in various regions worldwide, even in New Zealand, and is receiving increasing attention in Médoc, its region of origin. In Italy, it is found in Veneto and Friuli-Venezia Giulia, where it was often confused with Cabernet Franc in the past, and also in Franciacorta (Curte Franca), where some wineries have developed excellent single-varietal wines.
CABERNET FRANC
The Cabernet Franc grape originates from the Gironde region (Bordeaux), France. It is often blended with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot to create what is called the "Bordeaux blend." Cabernet Franc prefers sandy, stony, or calcareous soils.
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
The Cabernet Sauvignon grape originates from the Bordeaux region, especially from the Médoc and Graves areas. It is one of the most widely planted grapes in the world and is particularly suitable for producing high-quality, long-lived wines, often blended with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. This blend is commonly known as the "Bordeaux blend," from the region where it was initially introduced. Recent genetic tests confirm that Cabernet Sauvignon originated from a cross between Cabernet Franc and the white grape Sauvignon. Cabernet Sauvignon is highly adaptable to various climatic conditions and winemaking techniques.