Region: Emilia Romagna
History: Established as a DOC in 1975; Colli Bolognesi Classico Pignoletto was established as a separate DOCG in 2010; Grechetto-based wines split off as Pignoletto DOC in 2014
Vineyard Area: 415 ha / 1,025 acres (2013, V)
Production: 11,250 hl (total 2013/14, V); avg. 146,500 cases bottled annually
Principal White Grape Varieties: Chardonnay, Grechetto, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling (Riesling Italico)
Principal Red Grape Varieties: Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Nero
Styles and Wine Composition:
WHITE WINES
- Bianco from subzone Bologna only (Wh): Minimum 50% Sauvignon Blanc; maximum 15% Trebbiano; maximum 50% OANWG
- Chardonnay (Wh): Minimum 85% Chardonnay + OANWG
- Pignoletto (WhFr): Minimum 85% Grechetto Gentile + OANWG (no longer allowed after 2014 harvest)
- Pinot Bianco (Wh): Minimum 85% Pinot Bianco + OANWG
- Riesling Italico (Wh): Minimum 85% Welschriesling + OANWG
- Sauvignon (Wh): Minimum 85% Sauvignon Blanc + OANWG
- Superiore (Pignoletto) (no longer allowed after 2014 harvest)
RED WINES
- Rosso from subzone Bologna only (Rd): Minimum 50% Cabernet Sauvignon + OANRG
- Barbera (Rd, RdFr): Minimum 85% Barbera + OANRG
- Cabernet Sauvignon (Rd): Minimum 85% Cabernet Sauvignon + OANRG
- Merlot (Rd): Minimum 85% Merlot + OANRG
- Riserva (Bologna Rosso, Barbera)
SPARKLING WINES
- Pignoletto Spumante (WhSp): Minimum 85% Grechetto Gentile + OANWG (no longer allowed after 2014 harvest)
- Spumante from subzone Bologna only (WhSp): Minimum 40% Chardonnay and/or Pinot Bianco; maximum 60% Grechetto Gentile, Pinot Nero, and/or Sauvignon Blanc
DESSERT AND SPECIALTY WINES
- da Uve Stramature (Vendemmia Tardiva; WhSw): Minimum 85% Grechetto + OANWG (no longer allowed after 2014 harvest)
- Passito (WhSw): Minimum 85% Grechetto + OANWG (no longer allowed after 2014 harvest)
Subzone:
- Bologna (Bianco, Rosso, Spumante, and Rosso Riserva only)
Significant Production Rules:
- Grapes for Passito and “Vino da Uve Stramature” must be dried on or off the vine to achieve a minimum potential alcohol level of 13.0% and 15.0%, respectively
- Minimum alcohol level: 11.0% for Pinot Bianco, Riesling Italico, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Pignoletto, and Spumante; 11.5% for Bianco, Chardonnay, Barbera, and Cabernet Sauvignon; 12.0% for Rosso and Barbera Riserva; 12.0% for Passito (15.0% potential); 12.5% for Bologna Riserva
- Residual sugar: Maximum 8 g/l (0.8%) for Rosso, Merlot, Superiore, and Riserva; Spumante can range from extra brut to extra dry
- Aging: For Riserva, minimum 3 years, including 5 months in bottle (ERD = November 1, V+3)
