If in the lowlands of Emilia the perpetual flow is that of the legendary river Po, among the hills of Parma, Piacenza and Reggio Emilia its the rivers of PDO wine that flow.
In a relatively contained territory, but one as rich in food and wine as Emilia, there are many wineries that work tirelessly on vines with remarkable organoleptic and historical characteristics, holding high the banner of the uniqueness of this corner of the Food Valley.
The itinerary begins in the area of the Piacenza hills, where various literary sources report evidence of the presence of grapevines as far back as Etruscan and Roman times.
This extremely renowned wine-growing area extends over 5,000 hectares and includes Val Tidone, Val D'Arda, Val Trebbia and Val Nure. A stop in one of these valleys to discover and taste the DOC wines is a must.
There are no less than 16 in total, grouped into 3 main PDOs: Ortrugo, Gutturnio and Colli Piacentini.
Here, while savouring this rich basket of DOC Piacenza wines, red or white, sparkling, still or for meditation, treat yourself to a relaxing day and stop to admire the natural beauty of the area and its breathtaking views.
Continuing the itinerary, we reach the hilly area between the Enza and Stirone streams. Here we must go back to the Napoleonic era when the officials of Marie Louise's court grafted the vines from which everything began, in the municipalities of Langhirano, Felino and Sala Baganza, in the province of Parma.
As you explore this area, you will be surprised to learn how wide the variety of vines that make up the Colli di Parma PDO denomination is: such as aromatic Malvasia di Candia, Sauvignon blanc, Barbera and Bonarda, all deriving from those historic settlements, from which extraordinary PDO wines are produced.
The area's reds include Bonarda, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and sparkling Lambrusco, while the whites include Malvasia, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon, Chardonnay and Pinot Grigio.
A visit to the Wine Museum in the evocative cellars of the Rocca di Sala Baganza is highly recommended, to discover the secrets of wine between archaeology, processing and production. A final tasting is then a must.
Our journey of discovery of the PDO Wines of Emilia continues in the province of Reggio Emilia.
It is impossible to talk about this city without feeling the unmistakable taste of a strong wine like Lambrusco on your palate.
Sparkling ruby red, Lambrusco Reggiano PDO has its roots in the peasant civilisation, guardian of a secret handed down from family to family with passion and dedication.
Take a break in one of the many wineries or restaurants in this province to savour a glass of Lambrusco, perfect to be enjoyed with hors d'oeuvres of cured meats or traditional Emilian first courses. In addition to Lambrusco, the three Colli di Scandiano and Canossa PDO whites are also worth tasting.
