20 wines are permitted within this DO, most using indigenous grape varieties.
Vines & Styles
Pinot Nero, Croatina and Barbera are the most planted red varietals. Croatina and Barbera are often blended togther as rosado/rose, rosso/red and a semi sweet, frizzante/light sparkling known as Sangue di Guida or Judus's Blood. White grapes include Malvasia, Moscato, Chardonnay and Cortese. These are used to produce sweet and sparkling styles.
Innovation has lead to the production of spumante sparkling wines and non-native grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon and Pinot Noit for the reds, often matured in French oak barriques. Whites making new ground include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Riesling Italico and Riesling. The spumante is made in either according to traditional method or autoclave fermentation
Climate & Conditions
Continental climate conditions suit viticulture well with the Apennines giving a cooling influence. The river Po provides good water and the micro climate immediately close to the river moderates the winter cold. The soils are calcareous marl/clay, with good drianage.