Predappio hints to a mineral and long-lived Sangiovese distinguished by vigorous tannins and not by young fruit.
The sub-area can be divided into six different zones. The first one, located north, presents soils that vary from tough clays to Pliocene sands and powerful wines characterized by dense tannins and remarkable alcohol content when young, capable of expressing distinct tertiary aromas. The second area, on the north east, rises up to 230 meters and reveals clayey-calcareous soils with streaks of sandstone: the resulting wines are less austere, with a more enveloping mouthfeel and intense fruit. The third one faces west and is distinguished by clayey, compact soils and gentle hills, yielding warm wines with rough tannins and a distinct bitter hint. In the fourth area, situated southwest, the terrain becomes marly-chalky, and the resulting Sangiovese unveils a unique minerality as well as a solid yet mellow structure. Finally, a strip of vineyards cultivated along the Bidente valley and the small town of Strada San Zeno, where elevation reaches 400 meters and the soil has a remarkable presence of sandstone: the Sangiovese produced is characterized by tender and juicy fruit, slightly herbaceous sensations and a lively and elegant flavor.
A vast sub-zone stretching along the valley of the Rabbi River and on the left bank of the Bidente River. Some of the main areas are: Predappio Alta, Fiumana, Ravaldino, Vecchiazzano, Cusercoli, San Zeno
120-400 m asl
Ocher and dark limestone clay soils dominate, presenting streaks of red clays and sands in the lower areas; gypsum and organogenic limestone in Predappio Alta; sandstones in the higher areas of Cusercoli and San Zeno
The Rocca of Predappio
The structure of the castle dates back to 1283 and was built by Giovanni d'Appia, councilor and commander of the troops of Pope Martin IV which were sent to Romagna to regain lands that fell under Ghibelline dominion, as mentioned by Dante in XXVI Canto. Once defeated, Giovanni d'Appia retired on the hill of Predappio and had the castle built on top of a rock. This apparently gave the name to the town of Predappio: prè (which means «stone» in local Romagna dialect) d’Appia (lit. of Appia, i.e. Giovanni). At present, the Rocca is exclusively open for special events promoted by the local government during summer festivals.
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.
An extensive sub-zone stretching along the Via Aemilia, between the cities of Imola and Bologna.
60-400 m asl
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
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