Colli di Faenza DOC

Colli di Faenza sits in the low Apennine foothills between the cities of Bologna and Forlì, within the broader Romagna wine country of Emilia-Romagna. The authorized zone spans seven municipalities across two provinces, Ravenna and Forlì-Cesena. Sloping vineyard sites provide microclimatic variation and natural drainage, conditions that underpin the appellation's restrained, mineral style.

• Located in the low Apennine foothills between Bologna and Forlì
• Seven municipalities across Ravenna and Forlì-Cesena provinces
• The medieval village of Brisighella sits within the production area
• Modigliana sub-zone holds vines exceeding 100 years of age

The appellation experiences a Mediterranean continental climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and cool autumns. That autumn cooling is particularly valuable for preserving acidity and developing aromatic complexity in both red and white varieties. Soils are predominantly peaty and sandy with good drainage, underlain by marine sedimentary rocks. This combination keeps vine stress moderate and yields wines with a distinctive mineral character.

• Mediterranean continental climate with warm, dry summers
• Cool autumns help retain acidity and aromatics at harvest
• Peaty, sandy soils sit over marine sedimentary rock substrates
• Good natural drainage reduces disease pressure and concentrates fruit

Viticulture in the Colli di Faenza area traces back through post-phylloxera reconstruction in the late 19th century, when family-run smallholdings practiced polyvariety planting across mixed plots. After World War II, the arrival of foreign producers introduced new grape varieties and modern winemaking techniques, gradually shifting the zone toward quality-focused production. The DOC was formally approved on August 4, 1997, cementing the area's identity within the wider Romagna appellation structure.

• Post-phylloxera reconstruction shaped the late 19th-century viticultural landscape
• Family polyvariety plantings were the norm through the early 20th century
• Post-WWII foreign investment introduced international varieties and new techniques
• DOC approved August 4, 1997

Colli di Faenza permits a broad range of varieties spanning both indigenous and international grapes. Sangiovese anchors the red wine range, producing structured wines with fruity character, while Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Ancellotta, and Ciliegiolo are also authorized. Whites are led by Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Trebbiano Romagnolo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pignoletto, all of which emphasize acidity and aromatic complexity. All wines must stay at or below 10 g/l residual sugar, keeping the entire portfolio in a dry style.

• Sangiovese leads the red portfolio with fruity, structured wines
• International reds include Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot alongside local Ancellotta and Ciliegiolo
• Whites span Chardonnay, Pinot Bianco, Trebbiano Romagnolo, Sauvignon Blanc, and Pignoletto
• All styles are dry, with a maximum residual sugar of 10 g/l

The DOC sets clear aging and alcohol thresholds across its range. Bianco and Pinot Bianco wines must reach a minimum of 11% alcohol, Trebbiano 11.5%, and all red wines including Rosso, Sangiovese, and Riserva must achieve at least 12%. Rosso and Sangiovese wines require a minimum six months of aging before release, with April 30 as the earliest permitted release date. Riserva wines are held for a minimum of 24 months. Notable producers active in the appellation include Azienda Agricola Trere and Torre San Martino.

• Minimum 11% alcohol for Bianco and Pinot Bianco; 11.5% for Trebbiano; 12% for Rosso, Sangiovese, and Riserva
• Rosso and Sangiovese: minimum 6 months aging, release no earlier than April 30
• Riserva: minimum 24 months aging
• Notable producers include Azienda Agricola Trere and Torre San Martino