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The vineyards behind the fortresses of Brisighella, near the medieval Torre Pratesi, are in an ideal setting for extended ripening periods. These vineyards, facing northeast, benefit from the warm sun of Romagna while simultaneously being refreshed by the continuous breezes of the high hills, experiencing significant temperature fluctuations between day and night.
The sloping soil has a silty-sandy texture, composed of 61% silt, 32% sand, and 7% clay. It is slightly calcareous and rests on a lithoid marl-sandstone rock substrate at a depth of 4 to 6 meters.
From a geological perspective, the vineyards are located on soils formed between 20 and 7 million years ago, during the emergence phase of the Apennines. A marine basin in front of the Apennine chain was gradually filled with sediments originating from the dismantling of the mountains during orogenesis, in a phase preceding the final emergence of the Apennine chain.
This soil, rich in silt and sand, with a natural balance between organic and mineral substances, ensures an excellent water reserve, reducing the risk of plant stress during the hottest periods.
The vineyards of Azienda Agricola Rontana currently cover a total area of 8.3 hectares and are divided into three parcels:
- The first parcel, planted in 2007, hosts Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon.
- The second parcel, also from 2007, is located at the highest point of the hill and consists of a mix of Tuscan-Romagnolo Sangiovese clones. This area is known as Vigna Col Mora.
- The third parcel, planted between 2020 and 2021, is home to Sangiovese, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc.
The vineyards, cultivated using the Guyot training system, are maintained with permanent grass cover, without the use of chemical herbicides, and managed with integrated pest management practices.
During the most recent plantings, significant interventions were carried out to prevent hydrogeological instability. Over 250 meters of drainage systems were installed at depths between 5 and 6 meters, designed to collect and channel rainwater, preventing accumulation and stagnation in the soil. This system significantly reduces the risk of landslides.
In a region frequently affected by landslides and floods, such as the dramatic events of May 2023, these measures have proven to be essential: the estate suffered no damage and was able to continue its agricultural activities without interruption.
h e " B r i i g e l l a " S u b z o n
Our winery is located within the “Brisighella” subzone, as defined by the regulations of Sangiovese di Romagna DOC.
Situated in the hills of the Municipality of Brisighella, this area benefits from ideal climatic, geological, and agronomic conditions for cultivating Sangiovese, with some distinctive characteristics:
- Soils rich in gypsum and clay: These contribute to the structure and sapidity of the wines, providing an unmistakable minerality.
- Temperate and ventilated climate: This promotes slow and steady ripening of the grapes, preserving the balance between sugars and acidity while maintaining freshness and aromatic complexity.
- Optimal vineyard exposures: These allow for excellent sunlight and heat absorption, ensuring high-quality harvests.
Thanks to these characteristics, the Sangiovese cultivated in Brisighella stands out for its intense ruby-red color with garnet reflections; aromas of cherry and ripe red fruit with delicate spicy nuances; and an elegant, well-balanced taste with good acidity and fine tannins, ensuring longevity.