Colli Bolognesi

The "Colli Bolognesi" Protected Designation of Origin identifies a wide range of wines with the following grape varieties: Barbera (with sparkling and Riserva versions), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling Italico, Pinot Bianco. In addition, there is the possibility of production with an indication of the sub-area Bologna.

Grapes

All "Colli Bolognesi" wines, having on the label the specification of the prevailing vine, must be produced with grapes from vineyards composed for at least 85% from that vine and for the remaining part (maximum 15%) from others, with similar berry color, present in the list of Emilia-Romagna dedicated to the vine varieties for wine grapes. For the Bologna sub-area, at least 50% of the grapes used are Sauvignon (for whites) and Cabernet Sauvignon (for reds), together with other similar grape varieties, suitable for the region. In the Spumante wine variant, on the other hand, Chardonnay and Pinot Blanc (minimum 40%, alone or in combination) and Sauvignon, Riesling, Pinot Noir and/or Grechetto gentile are used for the difference.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

All the wines of the Colli Bolognesi denomination, whether white or red, have an absolutely balanced character from the point of view of their chemical-physical characteristics. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is between 11% vol. and 12,5% vol. Odours, aromas and taste, on the other hand, take up the peculiarities of the reference vine, as punctually indicated in the product specification.

Grape production area

The production area, which is hilly in the province of Bologna, is bounded to the west by the river Panaro and to the east by the Idice stream.

Specificity and historical notes

A very important testimony of viticulture in the "Colli Bolognesi", which initially developed with Etruscan techniques, is due to Pliny the Elder and his "Naturalis Historia", where it speaks of a sparkling wine and albano (white), not popular by the Romans because not sweet enough.