Discover the Ravenna IGP wine sub-region of Italy

about this subregion

Nestled within the lush landscapes of Italy's Emilia-Romagna wine region lies the Ravenna IGP, an appellation that is both a testament to Italy's rich viticultural heritage and a beacon of innovation for the modern wine lover. Spanning the entirety of Ravenna province, this unique IGP thrives in a harmonious blend of Adriatic coastal influences and the fertile plains of the Po River. The gentle breeze from the sea and the steady sun play a pivotal role in nurturing the vines, crafting an environment that is as poetic as it is propitious for viticulture.

At the heart of Ravenna IGP's vinous identity are its main grape varieties: Sangiovese, Centesimino, and Uva Longanesi. The revered Sangiovese, known for its versatility and depth, paints the wine's canvas with robust red fruit flavors and earthy undertones. The lesser-known but equally enchanting Centesimino introduces a cascade of berry nuances and vibrant acidity, while Uva Longanesi, a rare gem, lends the wines an alluring aromatic complexity.

Every sip of Ravenna IGP wine is a journey, intertwining centuries-old traditions with the unique terroir of Emilia-Romagna. For connoisseurs and novices alike, these wines are a discovery of Italy's timeless love affair with the vine.

Discover Terroir

The Ravenna IGP, located in the renowned Emilia-Romagna wine region of Italy, is a tapestry of diverse landscapes that harmoniously blend nature's finest offerings. Situated in the northern part of the Italian peninsula, Ravenna is uniquely positioned to benefit from both the coastal allure of the Adriatic Sea and the majestic serenity of the Apennine mountains.

Stretching from the sun-kissed Adriatic coast, Ravenna's terrain gently transitions from sandy beaches to fertile plains, before rising to embrace the rolling hills and valleys characteristic of its inner territories. As one moves further inland, the verdant vineyards and agricultural expanse gradually give way to the foothills of the Apennines. These hills serve as nature's gentle reminder of the proximity to the rugged mountain ranges that dominate much of Italy's spine.

Adding to its strategic positioning, Ravenna shares its western border with the province of Bologna, while its northern boundary adjoins the province of Ferrara. To its south, the province gently nudges the border with northern Tuscany, a region celebrated for its own viticultural wonders. This juxtaposition allows Ravenna to draw upon influences from neighboring provinces and regions, infusing its wines with a unique character.

The intricate blend of coastal breezes, fertile plains, and hilly terrains makes the Ravenna IGP a remarkable emblem of Emilia-Romagna's diverse landscape. Every vineyard, every grape, and every bottle of wine produced here is a testament to the rich tapestry of terrains that the region proudly showcases.

Ravenna IGP's climate is akin to a beautifully composed symphony, where every season plays its part, every element contributes a note, and together they produce a harmonious melody that graces the vineyards. Nestled in the embrace of Emilia-Romagna, Ravenna experiences a blend of climatic influences that bring forth the best in its wines.

From the east, the Adriatic Sea sends gentle maritime breezes that sweep across the coastal areas of Ravenna. These breezes not only moderate the temperatures, especially during the warm summers, but also bring with them a saline whisper, adding a unique touch to the terroir. The sea’s proximity ensures that the winters are mild, and the transitional seasons of spring and autumn see a perfect balance of moisture and warmth, vital for grape maturation.

As one ventures inland, away from the Adriatic's soothing touch, the climate subtly shifts. The plains, naturally protected, experience slightly more continental influences. Here, the summers can be warm and sun-drenched, allowing the grapes to bask in the golden Italian sunlight, accumulating flavors and sugars. Winters, while still relatively mild, can occasionally be punctuated by frosty mornings and crisp days.

Further still, as Ravenna stretches its arms to touch the foothills of the Apennines, the climate becomes cooler and more varied. The altitude, combined with the orographic effects of the mountains, brings about cooler nights and the occasional downpour. These climatic variations, with day-to-night temperature shifts, are essential for developing complexity in grapes, enhancing their aromatic profiles and preserving their natural acidity.

In essence, Ravenna IGP's climate is a fluid dance of maritime, continental, and montane influences. It’s a dance that has been perfected over millennia, and one that the vines, grapes, and ultimately the wines, have learned to dance along with, resulting in vintages that truly echo the rhythm of Ravenna's climatic symphony.

Ravenna IGP, with its vast and varied terrain, presents a rich tapestry of soils that contribute to the multifaceted character of its wines. From the coastlines stretching towards the majestic Apennine foothills, the soils tell tales of ages gone by, reflecting the geological and climatic shifts the region has witnessed. Let's delve into the specific soil types that grace the Ravenna IGP.

Alluvial Soils: Closer to the Adriatic coast, the soils are predominantly alluvial in nature. Formed over millennia by the sediments deposited by rivers and the sea, these soils are characterized by a mix of sand, silt, and clay. They offer excellent drainage, which is crucial for grapevine roots, allowing them to penetrate deep into the earth, drawing nutrients and moisture. The sandy composition ensures that the soil warms quickly, aiding in the early ripening of grapes.
Clayey Loam: As one moves inland, transitioning from the coastal plains to the gentle undulating hills, the soil profile changes to clayey loam. These soils, richer in organic matter, have a higher water retention capacity. Their dense nature poses a challenge for grapevine roots, making them work harder to penetrate the layers. This struggle often results in grapes with intense flavors and character, as the vines concentrate their energies on fewer grape clusters.
Calcareous Clay: Nearing the Apennine foothills, one encounters patches of calcareous clay soils. These are alkaline soils, interspersed with limestone and chalk deposits from ancient marine beds. Calcareous soils are renowned for imparting a certain minerality to wines, enhancing their structure and aging potential. Additionally, the presence of calcium ensures robust vine growth and aids in maintaining the grape's natural acidity.
Stony and Gravelly Soils: Sprinkled across Ravenna's landscape, especially in the higher elevations and sloping vineyards, are stony and gravelly patches. These soils, with their rocky fragments, ensure swift drainage, preventing waterlogging and root diseases. They also reflect sunlight, providing an additional source of warmth to the ripening grapes, thereby accentuating their sugar content and flavor profile.

Discover

These grape varieties, native to Ravenna IGP's terroir, are remarkable not just for their flavors, but for their distinct physical appearances. Their vibrant hues, ranging from deep purples to passionate reds, coupled with their characteristic leaf shapes and bunch formations, make them easily distinguishable in the vineyards of Emilia-Romagna.

Sangiovese: The most widely cultivated grape in Italy, Sangiovese thrives in well-drained, rocky soils, often found on hilly terrains. Agriculturally, it requires careful attention as its thin skin makes it susceptible to fungal diseases. Ideally, this variety seeks a Mediterranean climate—wet, mild winters and hot, dry summers. Sangiovese is known for its late ripening, making it essential for growers to ensure that it receives ample sunlight while being shielded from harsh winds.
Centesimino: Centesimino, sometimes referred to as Savignon Rosso, favors soils that are moderately fertile with good drainage capabilities. This grape, though not as finicky as some of its counterparts, does require a fair amount of attention during its growing cycle. Centesimino vines prefer cooler night temperatures, ensuring that acidity levels are maintained. While it can handle a range of climatic conditions, it thrives best in areas where there are marked differences between daytime and nighttime temperatures.
Uva Longanesi: A lesser-known treasure, Uva Longanesi is well-suited for clayey and silty soils. It's a robust vine, showing a strong resistance against many common grape diseases, which makes it relatively less labor-intensive. The grape requires a balanced climate, neither too hot nor too cold, to achieve optimal maturation. Extended periods of excessive moisture can be detrimental, so vineyards often ensure that Longanesi vines have efficient drainage systems in place.

Ravenna IGP, part of the Emilia-Romagna wine region, offers an eclectic range of wines, each beautifully capturing the essence of the land's terroir. These wines are composed of varying proportions of grape varieties, carefully chosen to reflect the unique characteristics of the region. Whether it's the Bianco, woven together by any white grape varieties approved for Emilia-Romagna, or the Rosso, which harnesses the power of red grapes like Sangiovese, Centesimino, and Uva Longanesi, Ravenna wines are a symphony of flavors and aromas. Let's embark on a journey to explore the aromatic and flavor profiles of some of the most common Ravenna wines:

Bianco: The white wines under the Bianco label are harmoniously fragrant. Their aromatic bouquet showcases delightful floral notes accompanied by hints of green apples, pears, and subtle citrus undertones. On the palate, these wines are crisp, offering a pleasant mineral freshness intertwined with gentle fruitiness.
Varietals (White): Wines in this category, with a dominant grape such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, tend to exhibit pronounced characteristics of their leading variety. Notes of tropical fruits, stone fruits, and even some aromatic herbs can be prevalent, creating a captivating olfactory experience.
Rosato: Ravenna's rosé wines are enchantingly refreshing. With a nose brimming with red berries, particularly strawberries and raspberries, these wines exude a vibrant youthfulness. On the palate, they are juicy, well-rounded, and elegantly balanced.
Rosso: The red wines of Ravenna IGP are the true embodiment of Emilia-Romagna's soul. Intense aromas of cherries, plums, and blackberries dominate the nose, complemented by hints of tobacco and spices. They provide a rich, full-bodied tasting experience with velvety tannins.
Spumante: These sparkling whites dance with vivacity. The aromatic profile is led by white flowers, green apple, and a touch of brioche. Their effervescence uplifts the palate, creating a delightful interplay between its acidity and fruity notes.
Rosato Spumante: A bubbly take on the traditional Rosato, this sparkling rosé offers a nose of fresh red berries, particularly strawberries, paired with a subtle yeasty note. Its bubbles burst with flavors, leaving a refreshing, crisp aftertaste.
Novello & Rosso Passito: Novello wines, similar in essence to the Rosso, present a young and fruity profile with pronounced red fruits. Meanwhile, the Rosso Passito, being a "passito" or dried grape wine, is richer and more intense, with a concentrated aroma of dried fruits, figs, and hints of caramel.

Ravenna IGP

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