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.
The second, located further south, is the heart of the sub-zone: characterized by altitudes between 100 and 250 meters and clayey-calcareous soils, it yields wines with excellently vibrant fruit, well-balanced warmth and volume as well as sharp tannins. The third, situated along the course of the Senio River, allows vine cultivation in a few areas due to the presence of ravines. The fourth is an enclave within the Parco Regionale della Vena del Gesso Romagnola: a landscape endowed with celestial beauty, where viticulture is not as essential.
The sub-zone is crossed by the Senio River and includes the municipalities of Riolo Terme and Casola Valsenio, as well as part of Faenza, Brisighella and Imola
60-250 m asl
Red and gray soils at the lower areas, chalky marls and ocher soils at higher altitudes
The Rocca of Riolo Terme
The Rocca of Riolo is one of the most interesting fortresses in the region thanks to its excellent conservation. Dating back to the end of the 14th century, it has Medieval and Renaissance architectural features: moat and machicolations, maneuvering chambers with vents for supporting grazing shots. Inside the walls is an archaeological museum containing remains from the Iron Age, the Middle Ages and Caterina Sforza, as well as a documentation center for the Vena del Gesso. Following restoration, the structure hosts cultural events, exhibitions, music programs, film screenings and is a prestigious location for private events.
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.
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
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.
Verucchio stretches along the valley of the Marecchia River, from the Via Aemilia to the Apennines.
50-450 m asl