Colli Euganei

Most Common Grapes of Colli Euganei

The Colli Euganei, a volcanic hill region in Veneto, is distinguished by its unique terroir, which features mineral-rich soils, a warm Mediterranean climate, and significant diurnal temperature variation. These conditions are ideal for both international and native grape varieties, resulting in a diverse range of expressive wines. Below are the principal red and white grapes grown in Colli Euganei, with insights into their vineyard requirements and the styles of wine they produce.

Red Grapes

• Merlot: Merlot is the most widely planted red grape in Colli Euganei, thriving in the region’s free-draining volcanic and calcareous soils. It requires moderate warmth, good sun exposure, and careful canopy management to avoid excessive vigor. The grape ripens reliably, producing wines that range from fruity and approachable when young to structured and complex when aged, as seen in Colli Euganei Rosso and Riserva blends. These wines often display subtle mineral notes and vibrant spiciness, reflecting the unique Euganean terroir.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: Cabernet Sauvignon flourishes on the warmer, sunnier slopes of the Euganean Hills, where it benefits from abundant sunshine and low rainfall. The grape needs a long growing season to achieve full phenolic ripeness, which the region readily provides. In Colli Euganei, it yields robust, structured wines with deep color and notes of dark fruit and spice, often blended with Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties for complexity and aging potential.
• Cabernet Franc: Cabernet Franc is well-suited to the varied terrain of Colli Euganei, particularly in sites that offer good drainage and moderate warmth. It ripens earlier than Cabernet Sauvignon, making it less susceptible to late-season rains. The wines are aromatic and elegant, frequently used in blends such as Colli Euganei Rosso, where they add freshness, floral notes, and finesse.
• Carmenère: Carmenère, a rarity in Italy outside this region, prospers in the volcanic soils and warm climate of Colli Euganei. It requires a sunny, well-ventilated site and benefits from a long growing season to avoid green, herbaceous flavors. The resulting wines are spicy, aromatic, and deeply colored, often aged in oak to enhance their structure and complexity, making them stand out among the region’s reds.
• Raboso: Raboso is a traditional Veneto red grape that prefers well-drained soils and a warm climate to reach full ripeness. It is typically used in small amounts in blends, such as Colli Euganei Rosso, to contribute acidity, tannic structure, and vibrant color. Wines with Raboso are robust and age-worthy, offering a distinctive regional character1.

White Grapes

• Glera (Serprino): Glera, known locally as Serprino, is the most planted white grape in Colli Euganei. It thrives in the region’s cooler, north-facing slopes and free-draining soils. The grape requires moderate temperatures and benefits from diurnal shifts that preserve acidity. Glera is primarily used for sparkling wines made via the Charmat method, resulting in fresh, lively wines with delicate floral and fruit notes.
• Garganega: Garganega is well-suited to the mineral-rich soils and moderate climate of Colli Euganei. It needs careful yield management to maintain concentration and avoid dilution. The grape forms the backbone of Colli Euganei Bianco, producing wines with citrus, almond, and floral notes, balanced by refreshing acidity.
• Chardonnay: Chardonnay adapts well to Colli Euganei’s calcareous soils and benefits from both stainless steel and oak vinification. It requires moderate warmth and well-drained soils to develop ripe fruit flavors while retaining freshness. The region’s Chardonnays can be vibrant and textured, with some examples showing impressive aging potential.
• Friulano: Friulano flourishes in hillside vineyards with good ventilation and calcareous soils. It prefers moderate climates that enable gradual ripening, preserving its delicate aromatics. In Colli Euganei, Friulano produces crisp, floral wines that are typically enjoyed young for their freshness.
• Manzoni Bianco: Manzoni Bianco is a versatile grape that thrives in well-drained, mineral-rich soils. It requires good sun exposure and moderate rainfall to avoid disease. The wines are aromatic and structured, often used in varietal bottlings or blends to add complexity and freshness.
• Moscato (Fior d’Arancio and Moscato Bianco): Moscato, including the local Fior d’Arancio (Moscato Giallo) and Moscato Bianco, prefers sunny, well-ventilated sites. It is sensitive to moisture, so good drainage is essential. Moscato is the only grape permitted for the region’s DOCG Fior d’Arancio, producing aromatic, sweet, or sparkling wines with pronounced orange blossom and citrus notes.
• Pinella: Pinella is a native white grape that prospers in the region’s hillside vineyards with good drainage and moderate warmth. It is typically blended to enhance freshness and acidity in Colli Euganei Bianco, contributing subtle floral and herbal notes.
• Pinot Bianco: Pinot Bianco prefers cooler sites with well-drained soils and benefits from a long growing season to develop nuanced flavors. In Colli Euganei, it yields fresh, elegant wines with floral and stone fruit notes, often used in blends or as a varietal wine.
• Sauvignon Blanc: Sauvignon Blanc thrives in the cooler, north-facing slopes of Colli Euganei, where it benefits from diurnal temperature variation and mineral-rich soils. The grape requires careful canopy management to preserve its aromatic intensity. The wines are vibrant and aromatic, with notes of citrus, green apple, and herbs, and are often used in Colli Euganei Bianco blends.