Wines of the Bolognese Hills
The Wines of the Bolognese Hills are relatively unknown, but are beginning to emerge both in Italy and abroad as interesting additions to those already consolidated famous Italian wines. The food of the region is rich and predominantly pork-based and therefore the wines produced here are those that have been traditionally drunk both with the typical egg-pasta and those world-famous food products that are synonymous with the local cuisine, such as Tortellini in Brodo, Lasagne, Tagliatelle al Ragù and Tortelloni, Mortadella, Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, to name but a few.


Overview
There are two grape types grown in Bolognese hills that are indigenous to this area alone: the Pignoletto and Negretto (also known as the Negrettino). These two grapes have been successfully grown in this region only due to the height at which they are cultivated and the mixture of clay and sand-based soil. The Negretto vine almost became extinct many years ago, but it is due to the passion and curiosity of local wine-growers, that the grape, which is a very dark red in colour and which was also used as a table grape, has recently been successfully grown again. Many experiments to produce the original Negretto wine have finally resulted in a very small number of wine producers creating a wine that can be considered of good quality.
The Pignoletto grape (white), on the other hand has been produced in the hills and valleys of Bologna for many years and the wines produced from it come in both sparkling and still varieties. As a testimonial to the quality of some of the Pignoletto wines, award-winning restaurants often offer it as an aperitif.
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One-Day Course
Day 1
This experience is all about the discovery of the wines of the Colli Bolognesi as well as understanding the difference between the different types of grape cultivation and wine production: traditional, organic and biodynamic.
Together with a qualified sommelier and food & gastronomy guide/interpreter, you will visit two well-known wine producers based in the Bolognese hills, each of which will explain how the grapes are cultivated and the wines are produced according to their chosen method of production: traditional, organic and biodynamic. You will then be able to taste the various wines produced a see for yourselves if any wines are superior due to their production methods.
This experience is followed by lunch in a local trattoria which will also serve some of the wines that you have tasted.