Sangiovese, Romagna's Timeless Native Grape

Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino are two of the most well-known wines in not only Tuscany, but all of Italy. They're made from Sangiovese, a wine that has become synonymous with the region for many.

Variety, on the other hand, thrives further west in Romagna, near the Adriatic, along a popular tourist stretch of shoreline. Regrettably, the attractiveness of the stunning blue coastline frequently overshadows what's going on inland.

The Sangiovese di Romagna DOC, which spans from Imola to Rimini, is divided into 12 sub-zones: Brisighella, Serra, Oriolo, Marzeno, Modigliana, Castrocaro, Bertinoro, Longiano, Mercato Saraceno, Meldola, and Cesana.

Sangiovese is commonly mixed with international grapes like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc in Tuscany, while it is rarely combined in Romagna, with the exception of a few experimental brands.

Here are some Sangiovese di Romagna producers that you can keep an eye out for in any part of the world:

1. Noelia Ricci

Noelia Ricci wines are crafted from grapes harvested from the estate's nine most ideal hectares, which cover 140 acres. The Romagna DOC Sangiovese Predappio 2020 undergoes spontaneous fermentation and a 28-day maceration before being aged in concrete. On the palate, the fruity and vegetal aromas continue, finishing with a herbal note.

2. Villa Papiano

Before being aged for six months in steel, one year in tonneau, and one year in the bottle, the Romagna Sangiovese Modigliana Riserva DOC "I Probi" 2016 goes through a spontaneous fermentation with indigenous years.

3. Drei Done

Sangiovese di Romagna Predappio 'Notturno' 2019 is a complex, well-balanced wine that was vinified in concrete and steel before being matured in wood. It features bright cherry and raspberry tastes that are balanced by a variety of zesty spices.

4. Chiara Condelli

The organic Le Lucciole Romagna Sangiovese Predappio Riserva DOC 2018 goes through a fermentation process in open wood barrels and steel with a 25-45 day maceration period before being matured for two years in Slovenian oak. Red fruit like cherry and plum are combined with earthy aromas in this structured wine.

5. Fattoria Zerbina

The Monografia Roganga Sangiovese Marzena Riserva DOC 2018 is smooth and graceful, with complex dried fruit and herbal flavours. Pietramora Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Riserva DOC 2001 has a touch of oxidation on the nose but a kaleidoscope on the palate.

6. Podere Morini

The Sangiovese di Romagna Superiore Riserva DOC "Nonno Riccio" 2001 from Podere Morini, named after the producers' grandfather, is a must-try. Tobacco, leather, raisins, and maple sugar are among the tertiary flavours and aromas that emerge on the palate.

7. Podere La Berta

The Solano Romagna Sangiovese Superiore DOC 2018 is the Sangiovese to drink with your red sauce pasta — it has notes of tomato, herbs, and a hint of green pepper. On the palate, all of this is repeated, with a note of cherry and anise.

SOURCE:

https://www.lacucinaitaliana.com/trip-to-italy/central-italy/sangiovese-romagnas-timeless-native-grape