If I had to choose an abstract: with the boots firmly on the hills of Valsamoggia, but with the heart in the Champagne.
“La Collina Agricultural Company” was born in the 1950s when Marco Campeggi's grandfather bought the farm (a vineyard, a stable and a field) to devote himself to the production of wine in "quantities". Marco began to approach and become passionate about the world of viticulture and winemaking in the mid-90s. From 2000 onwards more and more improvements were gradually introduced, such as the presence of an oenologist and a more in-depth study of the chemical processes in winemaking.
The whole world now revolves around wine and the vine: it's an extremely demanding activity that gives great satisfaction. Having become a supplier to some high quality traditional restaurants in Bologna is now something that makes Marco smile with joy.
The future is now, and it's all about betting all in on the tradional method and keeping on improving quality. The vineyards, that cover around three hectares, are cultivated through conventional agriculture with integrated pest management; the fertilizer used is manure and green manure is made with field beans. The prduction is around 16.000 bottles/year.
I had the chance to taste the two most representative products of the winery: Classical Method Brut and Rosé: the results of a project that has been cultivated for years. Since Marco started his early courses as a Sommelier, his sources of inspiration have always been Champagne and Barolo.
Two truly lovely wines that show the great potential of the Bolognese Hills for sparkling wines.
Collinetto brut: Classic method based on Chardonnay (60%) and Pignoletto (40%), that rest on the lees at least 24 months. Delicate on the nose with notes of bakery. On the palate dry, clean and with a nice sapidity. Pale yellow green with dense perlage. Fresh and suffused on the nose, it offers delicate hints of hay and wild flowers on a background of crunchy apple and white peach. On the palate it reveals creamy enveloping and lively freshness that lead to a savory finish with floral and vegetal returns.
Collinetto rosé: Traditional sparkling method from Pinot Noir (50%) and Barbera (50%), that rest on the lees at least 24 months. Coral pink color with fragrant floral aromas of rose and very fresh small red fruit, raspberry and pomegranate, followed by vegetable echoes of blackberry leaves and chalk. The taste is full and voluptuous, the foam on the palate expresses a fine fruitiness, which makes the sip agile with a lively and energetic freshness, well balanced with a mineral finish.
The wine estate is open to visitors, for more info:
Frazione Tiola, Via Colline 83, Castello di Serravalle, Valsamoggia (Bologna), Italy
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