Colli di Parma

The Protected Designation of Origin "Colli di Parma" identifies a wide range of wines, most of them with an indication of the vine variety. Malvasia, Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc are produced both in the basic version and in the sparkling and Spumante versions. On the other hand, Pinot Grigio, Barbera, Bonarda and Lambrusco, together with red, are also produced in the sparkling variant. Then there are Merlot, Cabernet franc and Cabernet sauvignon.

Grapes

Sparkling red and red are produced with a base of Barbera (between 60% and 75% of the total), combined with Bonarda and Croatina (between 25% and 40%, alone or combined) and other non-aromatic black grapes, grown in Emilia-Romagna. In the production of Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Blanc and Pinot Gris, 95% of the grapes used to make the wines are from the corresponding vine. The percentage ranges between 85% and 100% for Pinot Noir, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera, Bonarda, Lambrusco and Malvasia (with aromatic Malvasia di Candia). In both cases, other suitable grape varieties of similar colour may be used. Finally, for Spumante wine, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and/or Pinot Blanc are used, possibly in purity.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

"Colli di Parma" white has the characteristics of color, aroma and taste typical of the vine. "Colli di Parma" red has a ruby red colour; its aroma is strong, rather vinous; it has a dry, savoury, harmonious and slightly sparkling flavour. It can also present the sparkling version and the mention Riserva. "Colli di Parma" Spumante has a more or less light straw yellow colour with a fine, lively and persistent froth; its aroma is fruity and delicate; on the palate it has a pleasant flavour that goes from dry to extrabrut. "Colli di Parma" Spumante must be obtained exclusively by means of natural re-fermentation in the bottle with a minimum of 12 months and ageing on the yeasts and the total length of the production process must not be less than 18 months. See the product specification for more information.

Grape production area

The production area coincides with the hilly territory in the province of Parma.

Specificity and historical notes

1982 is a historic date for the viticulture of the area, because it marks the birth of the "Consorzio Volontario per la Tutela dei Vini dei Colli di Parma".