The Italy Wine Project

Regions / Emilia-Romagna

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Colli Bolognesi DOC

The umbrella DOC for the hills behind Bologna, now that Pignoletto has its own DOCG. Cabernet Sauvignon does surprisingly well here on the calcareous clay: the wines are medium-bodied, with blackcurrant, green herb, tobacco and moderate tannin, and the riservas from Monte San Pietro can age a decade. Barbera is juicier and more acidic, and Sauvignon Blanc is grassy and clean. Nobody outside Bologna talks about these wines, which keeps prices low.

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Bottles I'm chasing

ProducerWinePriceBuy
Tenuta Bonzara
Colli Bolognesi Cabernet Sauvignon Bonzarone
The estate's flagship Cabernet; cassis, cedar, dried herb and polished tannin, ages 10 years.
$30 to $40Wine-Searcher
Vallona
Colli Bolognesi Cabernet Sauvignon
Reliable, medium-weight Cabernet from Castello di Serravalle with blackberry and a savory edge.
$20 to $28Wine-Searcher
Tenuta Bonzara
Colli Bolognesi Merlot Rocca di Bonacciara
Plush Merlot with plum, cocoa and soft tannin; a good counterpoint to the Cabernet.
$25 to $35Wine-Searcher