An extensive sub-zone stretching along the Via Aemilia, between the cities of Imola and Bologna.
Despite viticulture being mainly practiced at average altitudes, the sub-area also includes Apennine territories. At the end of the 18th century, Sangiovese was already a characteristic element of Imola. A study carried out in 1880 identified Sangiovese as one of the most widespread varieties in the area, second only to Albana. An agricultural census performed in 2010 registered a total vineyard area of 3,932 hectares in the province of Bologna, of which 1,039 hectares (26%) cultivated with Sangiovese. 70% of the aforementioned area is situated south of the Via Aemilia, proving that the territory of Imola abounds with high-quality Sangiovese.
A vast sub-zone along the Via Aemilia, between the cities of Imola and Bologna. Viticulture is mainly concentrated at medium altitudes, but the sub-zone also includes the territories of the Apennines.
60-400 m asl
Red and dark soils near the Via Aemilia, gray clays at intermediate altitudes, ocher in the higher areas
The Rocca of Imola
The fortress was constructed in Imola from the second half of the 12th century to defend the city. Built on a quadrangular plan, nine rectangular towers were placed within the perimeter of the curtains while a tenth tower – the keep – was inserted in the center. The fortress underwent modifications over the centuries and hosted important people, the most renowned being the Lioness of Romagna, Caterina Sforza. At present, the fortress serves as a museum that runs from the basement up to the keep, where visitors can admire a marvelous panoramic view of the historic city and the surrounding hills.
The area of Bertinoro, also known as “the Balcony of Romagna”, rises on calcareous, organogenic and gentle hills, between 100 and 250 m asl.
100-350 m asl
With the exception of Casola Valsenio and the small town of Zattaglia, where vineyards rise up to 450 meters, the heart of production of Brisighella can be divided into three distinct sections.
180-500 m asl
Castrocaro boasts 3 historically suitable areas that remarkably differ from one another.
80-300 m asl
Viticulture in Cesena is carried out in two distinct areas.
60-250 m asl
Sangiovese has been intensely cultivated in the area of Rimini up until 1860 but was then abandoned because not deemed to have enough alcohol content.
The Rubicone Valley boasts hills that resemble terraces overlooking the sea. The winegrowing area is divided into three different sections and are located between 100 and 300 meters asl.
60-300 m asl
Marzeno stretches along the valley of the homonymous river, particularly along its final part.
100-200 m asl
Encircled by Bertinoro and Predappio, on the right of the Bidente River, Meldola has the least vineyard area among the 16 sub-zones of the denomination despite being a vast territory.
100-150 m asl
The largest sub-area of the denomination and one of the least cultivated with vines.
160-400 m asl
A renowned sub-zone endowed with a valuable terroir, a place where viticulture is exclusively practiced on the hills, reaching up to 500 meters of altitude, on sedimentary soils predominantly made up of sandstone.
300-600 m asl
Stretching halfway between Faenza and Forlì, the area is home to high-quality viticulture at the foothills, around 70 meters asl, as well as on the hills.
60-200 m asl
Predappio hints to a mineral and long-lived Sangiovese distinguished by vigorous tannins and not by young fruit.
120-400 m asl
San Clemente aims to characterize the hottest area of Rimini, with its gypsum and more colorful clays, presenting well-composed wines endowed with great acidity.
The sub-zone of Serra can be divided into four sections. The first, starting from the north, has fertile, deep and clayey-ferrous soils that give rise to fruity and lively reds.
Verucchio stretches along the valley of the Marecchia River, from the Via Aemilia to the Apennines.
50-450 m asl