Ronchi Varesini

The protected geographical indication "Ronchi Varesini" identifies white, sparkling white, red and rosé wines.

Grapes

The "Ronchi Varesini" PGI white wines must be produced from vines suitable for cultivation in the Lombardy Region. For red and rosé wines, a minimum of 60% of the black grapes Barbera, Merlot, Nebbiolo, Croatina must be used, while for the remaining part of the wine, similarly coloured grapes may be used.

Physicochemical and Organoleptic properties

The wines with the typical "Ronchi Varesini" white geographical indication, even in the sparkling variant, are straw yellow in colour, accompanied by an intense fruity perfume and a typical, dry, savoury taste. The red version is ruby red in colour, with a complex, fruity aroma and a harmonious, typical flavour. The rosé type, on the other hand, is characterized by its bright pink colour, combined with an intense, ample and persistent bouquet and a typical, characteristic, dry taste. The minimum total alcoholic strength by volume is 11% vol. for all three types.

Grape production area

The production area is located within the Po basin, bordered by the Alpine chain to the north and Lake Maggiore and the Ticino river to the west. The hilly areas of the area have variable exposures and altitudes between 200 and 500 m above sea level.

Specificity and historical notes

During the period spent at the court of Pope Pio IV in the mid-16th century, Cardinal Carlo Borromeo sent numerous letters to his family in Valceresio to have the barrels of the fine local wine delivered to Rome.