02 May 2025

Emilia-Romagna is a region of contrasts and harmony, where the vast plains of Emilia meet the rolling hills of Romagna — and where wine is deeply entwined with history, gastronomy, and innovation. Land of Sangiovese and Lambrusco, Gutturnio and Albana, this is a place where viticulture took root in Roman times and evolved over centuries, becoming a symbol of conviviality and quality.

From Gutturnio to Sangiovese

The Romans were already drinking wine from these lands. The Gutturnium, mentioned by Pliny the Elder, was a bold red produced in the hills around Piacenza — a distant ancestor of today’s Gutturnio DOC, made from Barbera and Croatina.

But the undisputed star of Emilia-Romagna is Sangiovese, the iconic grape of Romagna. Here, it shows a more generous and fruit-forward personality than its Tuscan counterpart. Known since the Middle Ages, Romagna’s Sangiovese found its full expression in the Sangiovese di Romagna DOC, which ranges from Annata to Riserva, and includes prestigious subzones like Predappio, where the terroir brings added structure and depth.

Albana, the noble white

Albana di Romagna DOCG holds a national record: in 1987, it became the first white wine in Italy to earn DOCG status. The reason? Its exceptional versatility. Albana can be vinified dry, sweet, or as a passito, delivering ripe fruit notes and impressive aging potential.

Umberto Cesari

If Romagna’s Sangiovese has reached the international stage, much of the credit goes to pioneers like Umberto Cesari. In the 1960s, when few believed in the potential of this grape, Cesari took a bold bet — investing in quality and innovation. Today, the winery covers 335 hectares, with vineyards in some of the most vocated areas of the Tuscan-Romagna Apennines.

Among the most celebrated labels is Tauleto (90% Sangiovese Grosso, 10% Burson/Longanesi), named Best Sangiovese in the World at the WSC in London. The MOMA line, inspired by art and design, offers a seamless blend of wine and creativity.

But Umberto Cesari is more than just wine — it’s about landscape, culture, and hospitality. From vineyard tours to curated tasting experiences, visiting the estate is a chance to immerse yourself in the most authentic side of Romagna.