Hills of Faenza

Colli di Faenza denomination

Romagna is a region of Italy rich in winemaking tradition, and among its hidden gems is the Colli di Faenza. This wine appellation, located in the southern part of Romagna, is renowned for its high-quality wines and captivating landscape. In this article, we'll explore the Colli di Faenza, its main grape varieties, and the wines that make this region so special.

The History of the Faenza Hills

The Faenza Hills boast a winemaking history that dates back centuries. The first written records of wine production in this region date back to Roman times. However, it was only in 1986 that the wines of the Faenza Hills were awarded the Controlled Designation of Origin (DOC) status, recognizing their quality and winemaking tradition.

Unique Terroir

The terroir of the Colli di Faenza is truly unique. This region is characterized by rolling hills, sun-exposed vineyards, and ideal climatic conditions for growing grapes. The soil varies from limestone to clay, giving the wines a complex array of aromas and flavors. The climate is Mediterranean, with hot summers and mild winters, which favors optimal grape ripening.

The Main Grape Varieties

In the Faenza Hills, several native and international grape varieties are grown, each of which contributes to the creation of unique wines:

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is the region's quintessential red grape. It produces elegant red wines, characterized by notes of cherries, red fruits, and spices. Sangiovese from the Faenza Hills is known for its structure and balance.

Albana

Albana is the main white grape used to produce dry and sweet white wines. This grape imparts aromas of white flowers and white-fleshed fruit to the wines, making them ideal for pairing with fish dishes and traditional desserts.

Merlot

Merlot is an international grape variety that has adapted beautifully to the Faenza Hills. Merlot wines are known for their smoothness, with aromas of red fruit and lightly spicy notes.

The Famous Wines

The Faenza Hills are known for a number of exquisite wines, but some stand out for their excellence:

Colli di Faenza Sangiovese DOC

This red wine represents the region's excellence. Made with Sangiovese as the main grape, it offers a rich and complex flavor, perfect for pairing with traditional Romagna meat dishes like cappelletta.

Colli di Faenza Albana DOCG

Albana is the star of the region's white wines. Albana DOCG is known for its freshness and delicate aromas of white flowers and almonds. It pairs excellently with fish dishes and fresh cheeses.

Visit the Faenza Hills

If you're a wine enthusiast and want to explore this fascinating wine region, we recommend planning a visit. Numerous wineries in the area offer tastings and guided tours, allowing you to discover the production process and savor the wines directly from the source.

The Faenza Hills are a wine destination that enchants with its history and high-quality wines. With a unique terroir and a variety of exceptional wines, this region deserves to be explored by every wine lover. Don't miss the opportunity to taste the wines of the Faenza Hills and discover the charm of this wine region.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main grape variety used for the red wines of the Colli di Faenza? The main grape variety used for the red wines of the Colli di Faenza is Sangiovese.

Where are the Faenza Hills located? The Faenza Hills are located in the southern part of Romagna, central Italy.

What is the predominant grape variety in the white wines of the Colli di Faenza? The predominant grape variety in the white wines of the Colli di Faenza is Albana.

What is the region's most famous wine? Colli di Faenza Sangiovese DOC is one of the region's most famous and renowned wines.