From: Emilia IGP, Emilia-Romagna, Italy
Varietal: Barbera, Bonarda
Taste: On the nose, fruity berries—think strawberries, raspberries, and a hint of blackberries—zesty citrus meets a mellow herbal tone meld beautifully with subtle undertones of bread crust, adding a rustic, yeasty edge. On the palate, it delivers elegance and a vibrant character. A pleasing acidic tang lifts the soft, fruity core, creating a satisfying balance and helps kick start the appetite. The finish is clean, with a lingering fruity softness.
Pairing: Emilia-Romagna is often referred to as the food capital of Italy, famed for many of its native products and dishes from places like Bologna, Parma, and Modena.
Emilia-Romagna's wines are deeply tied to the region’s culinary traditions. The Emilia IGP rosé, in particular, is a culinary chameleon, adapting to a wide variety of dishes. It pairs beautifully with the light and flavorful dishes of Emilia cuisine, such as antipasti, seafood dishes, light pasta, and pizza. Its refreshing nature also makes it a good match for summer salads and grilled vegetables.
Herby Rice Salad With Peas and Prosciutto
Recipe from Emily Nunn
Adapted by Kim Severson
About. Emilia-Romagna stretches north of Italy, from the Apennines to the Po River and towards the Adriatic Sea. This varied landscape provides a range of microclimates and soils, influencing the character of the wines produced here. The region is traditionally divided into two main wine-producing areas: Emilia to the west and Romagna to the east.
The Emilia IGP (Indicazione Geografica Protetta), also known as Emilia Indicazione Geografica Tipica, is a designation for wines from the broad geographical area across the Emilia region in northern Italy. This IGP is recognized for its flexibility in grape varieties and wine styles, allowing for a wide range of wines, including sparkling, still, white, red, and rosé.
The climate in Emilia is generally continental, characterized by cold winters and hot, humid summers. The proximity to the Apennine mountains can provide a cooling effect, which is beneficial for grape growing, as it helps maintain the necessary acid structure and aromatic complexity in the grapes. The variation in climate across the region allows for different ripening times and grape characteristics, which can be seen in the wide range of wine styles produced.
Northern Plains - Here, the soils are typically rich and fertile, composed of silt and clay, ideal for vigorous vine growth. This area is well-suited for producing high yields, though managing vine vigor to increase the quality of the grapes can be challenging.
Hillside Vineyards - Moving towards the Apennines, the soils become more varied, with limestone, sandstone, and clay mixtures. These well-drained soils are excellent for cultivating vines that produce grapes with greater concentration and complexity. The hillside locations also benefit from better sun exposure and drainage, which are advantageous for grape quality.
The rosé wines under the Emilia IGP are crafted using the short maceration method, a technique where the grape skins are briefly left in contact with the juice. This imparts a delicate color and some tannic structure before fermentation. The result is a wine that is fresh, fruity, and ready to drink relatively young.
