Quality Wines From The Romagna Region Of Italy

Italy has 20 different geographical regions, and Emiglia-Romagna—in the north—is both wealthy and geographically diverse. Bordered by six other regions that also produce wine—Marche, Tuscany, Liguria, Piemonte, Lombardy, and Veneto—Emiglia-Romagna is named after a Roman road that followed the foot of the Apennine Mountains, named Via Aemelia, as well as Romagna, a once capital region of the waning Roman empire that was then based in the city of Ravenna.

According to Carol Plantamura in her book When in Emilia Romagna—the wines of the region fall into two distinct categories—generally light and dry in Emilia to the west, and richer and full bodied in Romagna to the east.

Some local winemakers call Emiglia-Romagna ‘flyover country’ as well as a land of fast cars and slow food (car and motorcycle manufacturers here include Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati).

Within Romagna region, travel through the provinces of Bologna, Ferrara, Ravenna, Forlì-Cesena and Rimini and you will find the white wines spry, and much of the red Sangiovese stunning. Wineries are plentiful.

Romagna white wines include those made from the Famoso grape (which does not fare well in cold temperatures), the Longanesi grape (which loses productivity abruptly with age), and the Alabana grape—which created Italy’s first ever DOCG quality white wine (thin skinned, rich in polyphenols, strong with tannins and dripping with aromas of green apples and white pears). Another white is Trebbiano, with significant variations in quality.

Red Sangiovese wines from Romagna can be concoctions of Amarone and minestrone aromas and flavors, often with silky tannins and chirping with acidity. These wines were created to be enjoyed with food—consider cappellietti pasta with white cuttlefish ragu and mantis shrimp, or asparagus salad with broad beans, peas, saltwort with a cream of almonds and hazelnuts. Or the Italian favorite of cinghiale wild boar.

Below are tasting notes of diverse wines from Romagna. They include sparkling wines, whites and reds.

Sparkling Wines

Azienda Agricola Randi. Ramba Ancestrale Frizzante. Ravenna Famoso. IGT. 2020. 90 points.

Made from the white Famoso grape of Ravenna and aged 24 months in bottles, this non-filtered sparkling wine includes fresh and light aromas of grapefruit, pamplemousse, lime and mandarin and a body fluffy with effervescence.

Azienda Agricola Randi. Il Ramba. Ravenna Bianco. Frizzante. IGT. 92 points.

This sparkling wine—a frizzante delight—includes crackling aromas of green apples, fresh bread and oatmeal—much like a Bordeaux white where the lees have been stirred often. Flavors include mint, lime and even rosemary. This is herb garden meeting an island of tropical island. Think sipping champagne while surrounded by a garden of mint.

Branchini. 1858 Brut. VSQ Spumante Metodo Classico. 92 points.

Made from the Albana grape, this traditional method sparkling wine includes aromas of fresh bread, limes and pumice. A gracious and buoyant wine with hints of lime that will remind you of a Trentodoc sparkling.

Palazzona di Maggio. Aspro. VSQ Spumante Brut Nature da Uva Sangiovese. 92 points.

An early harvest Sangiovese sparkling wine, with rich rounded aromas of fresh bread, mandarin and lime. Rich body, and a thin finish that includes the flavor of caramel.

White Wines

Azienda Agricola Randi. Rambela Randi. Ravenna Famoso. IGT. 2021. 90 points.

Made from the Famoso grape, this open scented wine brings memories of both a Ribollo Gialla from Friuli and also Pinot Gris, and includes rounded aromas of limes, grapefruits and green apples. Includes a creamy and ample mouth feel with flavors of white pears and tropical fruits.

Tenuta Uccellina. Rambëla Uccellina. Ravenna Famoso. IGP. 2021. 92 – 93 points.

Made from the white Famoso grape from Ravenna, this slightly lime colored wine is mindfully concocted and balanced. It ages some months in steel and includes poised and focused aromas of green apples, limes, honeydew melon, yellow pears, gooseberries, Marie biscuits and fresh bread. Also delicate florals. Open and rounded with a delicate mouth feel. Think Sauvignon Blanc meets Riesling. Flavors include lime and grapefruits and oatmeal, as well as crackling but delicate tastes such as mint. Medium body. Pair with a salad that includes chopped cilantro or with a ceviche doused in lime. Beauty!

Daniele Longanesi. Rambela Longanesi. Ravenna Famoso. IGT. 2021. 89 points.

This 12.5% alcohol white wine is made from the Famoso grape. Open and rounded aromas of white florals and green apples, yellow pears and melons. Generous and rounded mouth feel. Think Trebbiano meets Pinot Bianco. Easy drinking for barbecued seafood or white meat, or because of the aromatics—with spicy dishes.

Enio Ottaviani. Strati. Romagna Pagadebit. DOC. 2020. 92 points.

This pale lime colored wine includes aromas of flint, gooseberries and salt. Rounded and somewhat fat in the mouth, though zinging with acidity. Pair with anchovies and even roasted carrots. The Pagadebit (’pay debt’) grape is named because it had a reputation for being durable enough to yield a profit even from a difficult vintage.

Colonga. L’azzuro. Romagna Pagadebit. DOC. 2021. 93 points.

Aromas of salinity, limes and gooseberries, and providing an oily cheek feel and flavors of mint and lemonade mid palate and mandarins on the finish. A joyful burst of tropical fruits and a fresh blast of ocean spray.

Ca’ Perdicchi. SettantaSette. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 91 points.

This wine called Rebola is made from the Grecheto Gentile grape and includes light, open, tangy tropical aromas of limes and lemons as well as gooseberries. Flavors of green apples and cayenne and an oily mouthfeel. Zipping and astringent lime tilted acidity. Pair with anchovies and flat bread.

Fattoria del Piccione. Villa Massani. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 93 points.

This golden/copper colored wine from the hills of Rimini is named Rebola, but is made from Grecheto Gentile grapes. Includes aromas of desiccated prunes, oranges and limes. At its heart this has the taste of an orange wine, though candied, slippery on the cheeks and with a hint of butterscotch flavors melded with bright green limes.

Fattoria Poggio San Martino. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 93 points.

This Rebola wine includes creamy aromas of green apples and candy cane, and in the mouth is succulent and almost elegant, with a hint of butterscotch, butter, toast and a blend of tropical fruits.

Cantina Galli Franco. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 92 points.

This Rebola white wine made from the Rimini grape Grechetto Gentile includes brittle, brisk and slightly candied aromas of clover and mint. Flavors are sweet in this sage, mint and lime-flavored wine that is easy drinking and includes a full and beautiful cheek feel.

Podere dell’Angelo. Giulietta. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 89 points.

This Rebola may make you think of a classic Sauvignon Blanc melded with Pinot Bianco. A rounded wine with flavors of lime and bubble gum. Rounded and easy drinking.

Podere Vecciano. Vigna La Ginestra. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 89 points.

This white Rebola wine includes aromas of green apples, limes, gooseberries, and in the mouth is rounded and sweet, though relatively unstructured.

Le Rocche Malatestiane. Larus. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 87 points.

Light aromas—more floral than fruit—that include lime. A green, acidic and smooth mouthful with a hint of oatmeal flavor.

Azienda Agricola San Valentino. Scabi. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 87 points.

Aromas of grapefruit segments and mandarins, as well as lime and green apples. A rounded, slightly sweet and spicy mouthful.

Tenuta Santini. Isotta Santini. Colli di Rimini Rebola. DOC. 2021. 86 points.

Open and wide aromas of mint and limes, though slightly unfocused. Flavors of green apples, white peaches and white pears.

Longanesi. Rambela. Ravenna Bianco. IGT. 2021. 94 points.

Crisp and focused aromas that include queen of the night flowers, as well as lilacs, roses, green apples and yellow plums. A firm, complex and textured wine with flavors of lime and sesame seeds, as well as rye bread and with a soft and inviting limoncello lilt on the finish. Pair with scallops and shrimp.

Tenuta Casali. Famoso. Rubicone Famoso. IGT. 2021. 93 points.

Aromas of grapefruit, green apples and tonic water. Flavors of lemon meringue pie. Throttling lemon acidity in this structured white wine with layers of tropical fruit and herbs such as sage and bay leaf.

Poderi delle Rocche. Drusiana. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2020. 88 – 90 points.

Made from the Albana grape, this includes aromas of mint, cherry cola, sage, grapefruit and balsamic. Subtle green notes in a wine that is slightly complex with dreamy flavors of green apples and cherry tart. Striking acidity, firm tannins and mild minerality.

Poderi Morini. Settenote. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2020. 92 points.

Classic local aromas of green apples and white pears as well as some sage and mint. Flavors of white pears, peaches and apples. A solid, well made, focused and lovely white.

Giovannini. Gioja. Romagna Albana. DOCG. 2021. 90 points.

Made from the Albana grape—which is thin skinned but is rich in polyphenols and includes strong tannins and apricot notes—this 15% alcohol wine ferments and then ages for eight months in concrete. Aromas of green grass, green apples, white pears. Crisp acidity and green apple flavors. Albana produces gastronomic white wines, often good for pairing with heavier winter or autumn meals.

Giovannini. 8000. Bianco del Sillaro. IGT. 2020. 92 points.

Named after the approximate number of years since amphorae were created and sold only in magnums, this golden colored wine includes aromas of crabapples. Flavors include golden apples, white pears, slight salt and a hint of caramel in this wine with luscious acidity and oranges on a long finish.

Tre Monti. Vitalba. Romagna Albana. DOCG. 2021. 89 points.

This golden colored wine aged in clay amphorae includes aromas of brandy, orange rinds and apricots, as well as cinnamon and toast. Flavors of cider and oranges and with a peach/apple finish. Quite rich.

Branchini. D’Or Luce Botrytis. Romagna Albana Passito. DOCG. 2016. 93 points.

This sweet wine ages one year in new French oak, then in steel and then one year in the bottle. Made using the passito method with partially shriveled grapes. The grape is Alabana—which maintains a good balance between acidity and sugars. Rich, shining acidity, a lovely rounded mouthfeel, a mid-palate of mandarins and golden syrup and a finish laced with oranges and mint. This is a liquid dessert.

Villa Papiano. Strada Corniolo. Romagna Trebbiano. DOC. 2019. 90 – 91 points.

Made from the white Romagna Trebbiano grape, this includes floral aromas—lilacs and rose petals—as well as aromas of mandarins, salted butter and Burgundian Chardonnay, with crisp flavors of green apples and grapefruit. Soft acidity, light flavors, slight lime on the finish. Pair with scallops.

Ronchi di Castelluccio. Sottovento. Forli Bianco. IGT. 2020. 92 points.

This 60/40 blend of Trebbiano/Sauvignon Blanc has low key aromas and creamy acidity in a beautifully soft and light and inviting matrix with flavors of grapefruit and fresh bread. Slight menthol on the finish.

Ronchi di Castelluccio. Lunaria. Forli Sauvignon Bianco. IGT. 2020. 89 points.

Aromas of green herbs and green grass, and a lovely, slippery mouthful of easy drinking Friday afternoon juice.

Agrintesa. Poderi delle Rose. Romagna Albana. DOCG. 2020. 91 points.

Full and rounded aromas that include light florals, cream crackers and gooseberries. A wine with creamy acidity that is light and linear with flavors of green fruit and tropical fruits. Pair with parmigiana cheese or sashimi.

Celli. I Croppi. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 89 points.

Aromas of green apples, green grass, mandarins and tropical fruits. Zippy acidity and well integrated fruit flavors. Fresh and luscious mouth feel.

Tenuta Uccellina. Amoroso. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 89 points.

Sweet, rounded, fresh aromas. A light wine with delicate flavors of white peaches and nectarines.

Treré. Arles. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 89 points.

Fresh, light, commanding aromas of marshmallows and mandarins. Oily mouth feel in this delicate wine with boisterous acidity.

Fattoria del Monticino Rosso. ‘A’. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 89 points.

Creamy aromas of oatmeal, mandarins, kiwi fruit and florals that include lilacs. A wispy and alluring wine with flavors of fresh peaches and a bright finish with green apples. Solid tannic structure.

Branchini. Dutia. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 87 points.

Rounded, sweet aromas that include florals, tangerines and lime. A light bodied wine with medium acidity, cherry flavors.

Galassi Maria. La Signora Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2020. 89 points.

A golden colored wine with wafting and pronounced aromas of peach melba, honey, toast and melon. Flavors of mandarins and Amarone, as well as oranges and allspice on the finish. Attractively different, with a well-rounded mouth feel.

Tenuta Santa Lucia. Albarara. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 91 points.

Deep golden colored wine with aromas of honey, melon, grapefruit and flint. Lovely mouth feel and rich flavors of tropical fruits, honey, mandarins and toast. Gorgeous oranges on the finish with a lick of lime.

Giovanna Madonia. Neblina. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 90 points.

Aromas of candied fruit, green apples and honey. A mouthful of rich flavors that include golden apples and white peaches. Firm acidity.

Ca’ di Sopra. Sandrona. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 89 points.

Aromas of lilacs, grapefruit, honey, lime and butterscotch. Beautiful fruit flavors that include peaches, apricots and gooseberries, as well as some salt.

Giovannini. Gioja. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2021. 89 points.

Cracking aromas of Sprite, green apples and tropical fruit. Slick and edgy acidity. Billowing though somewhat indistinct flavors of green fruit and mandarins.

Domini Glicine. Embleni. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2020. 89 points.

Aromas of butter, toast, lemonade, green apples and lime. Flavors of tropical fruits and green apples. Pronounced acidity, though this needs more integration over time.

Fiorentini. Cleonice. Romagna Albana Secco. DOCG. 2020. 89 points.

Rich aromas of butter, honey, salt, gooseberries and papaya. Flavors of sage and lemon in this wine with a creamy acidic mouth feel and flavors of green apples on the finish.

Red Wines

Randi. Blu di Bursôn. Ravenna Uva Longanesi. IGT. 2019. 90 points.

This red wine made from the Longanesi grape from Ravenna ages in steel and includes rounded and open aromas of red and dark plums, as well as some figs and black pepper. Flavors include chocolate, prunes and minestrone. An open, easy and light structured delight with spicy dark characteristics reminiscent of a Sangiovese.

Daniele Longanesi. Bursôn et Nera. Ravenna Uva Longanesi. IGT. 2016. 92 points.

The grape constituting this wine is named after the Longanesi family owning the winery who had discovered the grape locally. The grape is also known as Bursôn in the Romagna region. Aged four years in barrel and one year in bottle, this prune-colored wine includes aromas of Amarone, port and orange rind. Rich and aged flavors of prunes, black cherries, cognac and cocoa powder. The winemaker suggests pairing it with goulash.

Tenuta Uccellina. Bursôn et Nera. Ravenna Uva Longanesi. IGT. 2015. 92 points.

This red from the Longanesi grape from Ravenna aged for one year in new oak, and three years in older oak. Though mildly oxidized, it includes aromas of roses, prunes, rum raisins and orange rind. A lovely wine with aged flavors of red plums, black licorice, figs and sage. Pair with a goulash or South African potjie pot that includes wild, salty game meat. An easy drinking surprise.

Tenuta Uccellina. Samore. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 87 points.

Boisterous raspberry and red currant aromas. A young, exciting and easy drinking wine with mild acidity and flavors of red plums and blackberries.

Umberto Cesari. Solo. Rosso Rubicone. IGT. 2019. 93 points.

Made from the Merlese grape, a cross between Merlot (which provides the flowers) and Sangiovese (which provides the pollen)—this rounded, tannic red wine is unique, robust and structured. It ages in Galileo glass globes as well as in terracotta amphorae and concrete. Includes aromas of plums, raspberries and cocoa. In the mouth, a rich and textured wine with flavors of dark plums, figs, Maltesers chocolate, blueberries and black pepper. A swirl of dark delight. This is the Okoguzu, or Areni, of Emiglia-Romagna. Well-structured with swirling fluidity that jumps around the mouth, as well as with vibrant acidity.

Tre Monti. Petrignone. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2019. 92 points.

A hefty dose of aromas of raspberries, mocha, red cherries and black pepper. A balanced wine with rich red fruit mid palate, although somewhat dry on the finish. Good tannic structure. Pair with biltong or jerked beef.

Umberto Cesari. Tauleto. Rubicone Sangiovese. IGT. 2015. 93 points.

This 90/10 Sangiovese/Longanesi blend includes aromas of eucalyptus and plums. Flavors of figs, minestrone and Roma tomatoes. An earthy medley waiting to pair with roasted cinghiale wild boar.

Umberto Cesari. Resultum. Rubicone Sangiovese. IGT. 2013. 92+ points)

From an estate that has 25 clones of Sangiovese, this wine has light aromas that include cherries, plums, olive tamponade and cocoa in this 100% Sangiovese that ferments in steel. A healthy broth of flavors—plum, black cherries, figs, licorice—with brisk mouth-watering acidity. Supple tannins, and Provence herbs on the finish.

Palazzona di Maggio. Ulziano. Rubicone Sangiovese. IGT. 2020. 89 points.

Aromas of cranberries, blueberries and cocoa, with well-structured tannins and flavors of chili peppers and red plums.

Palazzona di Maggio. Dracone Riserva. Colli d’Imola Rosso. 2011.

This Cabernet Franc/Merlot/Petit Verdot blend includes flavors of dark licorice, mocha and figs. This Decanter award winning wine is sort of a Sangiovese resembling Cabernet Franc.

Poderi delle Rocche. Canovaio. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2019. 88 points.

Aged in steel and concrete. Brisk and fresh aromas of cranberries and cocoa and florals. Rounded flavors of rich red fruit; slightly herbaceous and with crisp acidity on the finish.

Agrintesa. Poderi delle Rose. Romagna Sangiovese. DOC. 2020. 89 points.

This Sangiovese includes deep flavors of blue fruit, black fruit and plums. Flavors include figs and minestrone with some cocoa on the finish. Acidity melds well with the fruit. A lick of tannins on the finish.

Balia di Zola. Balitore. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 90 points.

Aromas of plums, black fruit and some wood, and flavors that include minestrone and red and black cherries.

Ronchi di Castelluccio. Buco del Prete. Romagna Sangiovese Modigliana. DOC. 2020. 91 points.

Aromas of red fruit, blue berries, cocoa and cranberries. And easy drinking and supple wine with flavors of Roma tomatoes, prunes and figs bathed in clean acidity.

Balia di Zola. Redinoce. Romagna Sangiovese Modigliana Riserva. DOC. 2018. 91 – 92 points.

Aromas of a wild hedgerow as well as chocolate bourbon biscuits, red cherries, black berries, wild strawberries and plums. Crisp acidity in this wine with flavors of red cherries, minestrone, oxtail soup and textured chocolate. Supple tannins.

Cantina Mingazzini. Alcjone. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 89 points.

Aromas of raspberries, prunes and chalk. Bright acidity in the mouth coating flavors of plums and raspberry jam.

Cantina Fiammetta. Benedictus. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 92 points.

Fresh aromas of raspberries, chalk, clover and violets. Flavors of prunes, figs and red plums.

Poggio della Dogana. I Quattro Bastioni. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2018. 92 – 93 points.

Well integrated aromas of chocolate and Roma tomatoes, as well as cocoa dust and red plums. Supple tannins and bright acidity in the mouth, as well as flavors of red plums and tarragon.

Poggio della Dogana. Arlesiana. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 89 points.

Somewhat vegetal aromas of bramble patch, green leaves and also raspberries. Flavors include those of slices of mandarins, raspberries and cranberries. Bright acidity.

Caviro. Monnalisa. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 92 points.

Aromas of mocha, minestrone, raspberries and red cherries. This is a supple and elegant beauty—and is as well integrated and flavorful as a Bordeaux Saint-Émilion Grand Cru wine. Layered and complex with buoyant acidity, and slight cumin on the finish.

Cavim. Viae. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 92 points.

Aromas of cranberries, red currants and mocha. Juicy acidity and flavors that include chocolate.

Ferrucci. Domus Caia. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2016. 89 points.

Aromas of a Christmas cake fresh from the oven—wafting with cocoa, mint and red cherries. Slightly oxidized flavors of fudge brownies and maraschino cherries. Supple tannins, firm acidity.

Palazzona di Maggio. Le Armi. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2016. 90 – 92 points.

Dense, crisp and complex aromas of roasted coffee, wet earth, prunes, red plums, cranberries, chocolate biscuits and figs. Crisp tannins and rich and soft flavors of Malteser chocolates, prunes, figs, strawberries and cocoa powder—bathed in fresh acidity.

Fattoria Paradiso. Vigna delle Lepri. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2012. 93 points.

Aromas of malt balls and bullion. Flavors of beef jerky and plums; light, bright and energetic acidity. Slick tannins. Flavors of chocolate brownies and orange segments.

Pandolfa. Godenza. Romagna Sangiovese Predappio. DOC. 2019. 93 points.

Aromas of Roma tomatoes, cherries, figs, plums and prunes. Soft tannins, supple acidity. Beautifully integrated flavors of red cherries and cocoa biscuits.

San Valentino. Scabi. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 89 points.

Aromas of smoke, blueberries, cocoa powder. An easy, welcoming, candied and rich wine with red fruit—plums—well integrated with tannins. Some biltong and cumin on the finish.

Tenuta Casali. Palazzina. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 89 points.

Aromas of cranberries and oranges and acidity with the flavor of nectarines. Also flavors of chewy brownies and red cherries in this balanced, easy drinking wine. Altogether a generous and hearty juice.

Tenuta Casali. Quartosole. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2019. 92 points.

Rich, generous aromas of wafer chocolate and a little anise. A succulent wine with layered tannins, beautiful soft fruit and quiet acidity.

Noelia Ricci – Pandolfa. Pandolfo/Federico. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 88 points.

Aromas of blueberries, black cherries and mocha. Sleek acidity. Flavors of strawberries and red currants. This is a consistent and staple wine that could easily become daily fare because it drinks so easily.

Rocche Malatestiane. I Diavoli. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 90 points.

Aromas of biltong, licorice, cherries, blueberries and fresh crepes. Well integrated flavors of blue fruit, red cherries and figs. Emerging complexity. Soft tannins in this hearty Sangiovese matrix.

Tenuta La Viola. Oddone. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 89 points.

Aromas of minestrone, mocha, Roma tomatoes and plums. An easy drinking and well balanced wine with flavors of bourbon chocolate biscuits and a cherry lozenge.

Tenuta La Viola. P.Honorii. Romagna Sangiovese Bertinori Riserva. DOC. 2017. 92 – 93 points.

Aromas of tobacco, orange rind, prunes and plums. Light, supple tannins well-integrated with red fruit flavors. Pair with minestrone soup.

Poderi Morini. Torre di Oriolo. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 90 points.

Strong aromas of wet earth, some tobacco and red cherries. Black cherry flavors on the attack. Lovely integration soft tannins, mocha, raspberry and red cherry flavors. Silky tannins, some red plums and oxtail on the finish.

Merlotta. Petali di Viola. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 93 points.

Crisp, integrated and layered aromas of florals—roses and violets—as well as cocoa, wet slate, slight mint as well as black and red cherries. Flavors of cocoa, prunes and red cherries. Sleek acidity, textured with elegant tannins. A supple, delicate and decadent wine, well-crafted with creamy tannins and a hit of German chocolate cake and toffee on the finish.

Enio Ottaviani. Caciara. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 89 points.

Aromas of butternut squash, honeydew melon, peat, rose petals and licorice. A creamy, light, easy drinking wine with energetic acidity and light flavors of blue fruit and raspberries.

Ca’ Perdicchi. 69. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 90 points.

Rich, layered and structured aromas of dark fruit that includes blackberries, as well as bullion and orange rind. A well integrated and generous wine with plush tannins and flavors of blue berries, black berries and some strawberries.

Ca’ Perdicchi. 3. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2019. 90 points.

Aromas of lavender, tar, eucalyptus. A full-bodied wine with flavors of strawberries, melon, stroganoff and dorp licorice. Burly, with decent tannic integration.

Raffaella Bissoni. Girapoggio. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 88 points.

Aromas are somewhat vegetal, though flavors are soft and delicate and include mocha and strawberries.

Raffaella Bissoni. Bissoni Riserva. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2018. 89 points.

Slight petrol and mocha aromas, and flavors of chocolate and some cedar on the finish.

Condé. Chiara Condello. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 94 points.

Aromas of smoke, blueberries, earth and gorse. A lusciously light and delicate medley of red cherries, blueberries, crème de cacao and hazelnuts. Silky tannins well enfolded with acidity. This is a beautiful bird singing on a Romagna hillside.

Condé. Predappio. Romagna Sangiovese Predappio. DOC. 2019. 91 points.

Inviting soft aromas of smoke, hazelnuts, sultanas, black cherries and chocolate chips. Flavors of Oreo cookies, red and black licorice, sultanas and peach melba ice cream mid palate. Textured tannins lick the throat.

Chiara Condello. Le Lucciole. Romagna Sangiovese Predappio Riserva. DOC. 2019. 93 points.

Devilishly seductive aromas of steaming blueberry tart, mint crisp, black cherries and lava cake from this 100% Sangiovese organically farmed. Layered and gregarious, with flavors of Amarone, orange rind, prunes and figs mid palate, as well as luscious red/orange fruit embedded in a soft tannic matrix. As statured as a Bordeaux Médoc from Saint Julien. A well-integrated wine with supple tannins, sleek acidity, and flavors that include minestrone, licorice and blue fruit.

Piccolo Brunelli. Pietro 1904. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 90 points.

Aromas of brick and woodland trail. Harmonious integration of acidity with tannins and rich flavors of red cherries, with slight herbaceous notes on the finish. Lovely flavors differ from, and are more attractive than, the aromas.

Piccolo Brunelli. Dante 1872. Romagna Sangiovese Predappio Riserva. DOC. 2018. 92 points.

Rich as an older Bordeaux wine with aromas of prunes, figs, orange rind and herbs of Provence. Light and creamy tannins coating flavors that include cranberries, minestrone as well as a peppery snap; textured on the tongue.

Ca’ di Sopra. Cadisopra. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 93 – 94 points.

OMG rich and silky three-layer cake aromas that could be from Pomerol in Bordeaux—red cherries and German chocolate with slight menthol on the finish. A plush, elegant and beautifully integrated meld of acidity with flavors that include unsweetened chocolate, plums, prunes and apricots.

Ca’ di Sopra. Vigna Ca’ del Rosso. Romagna Sangiovese Marzeno Riserva. DOC. 2018. 92 points.

Aromas of Roma tomatoes, red cherries, some sage, radishes and cocoa. A rounded, well integrated wine with supple acidity that is somewhat herbaceous on the finish.

Ca’ di Sopra. Crepe. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 89 points.

Aromas of strawberries, toast, bacon and blueberries. Good integration between the darker cocoa and the lighter fruit flavors. Slick acidity. Mid palate is a meld of treacle and black cherries. Chocolate Mars Bar flavor on an excellent finish.

Tenuta Masselina. 138. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2020. 88 points.

Aromas include coconuts, cocoa and ferns. Well integrated soft tannins with red fruit and acidity, but with a slight vegetal tinge that will likely mellow over years.

Tenuta Masselina. Masselina Riserva. Romagna Sangiovese Serra Riserva. DOC. 2019. 93 points.

Aromas of red plums, Roma tomatoes and red cherries. A supple, soft and elegant Sangiovese with rich red fruit and mocha flavors amid creamy tannins. Blueberries and cream flavors on the finish.

Tenuta Santini. Orione. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2019. 93 points.

The color of amber and Nebbiolo. Delicate and textured aromas of plums, mocha, cassis. Rich and plush flavors with an orange lilt. Silky tannins well enfolded with fruit and acidity.

Podere dell’Angelo. Angelico. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2019. 91 points.

Aromas of toast, tar, cocoa powder and strawberries. Well integrated tannins in this structured medley of soft glowing fruit that includes oranges, as well as hummus and cooked prunes on the finish.

Tenuta Amalia Cantina di Cesena. Pergami. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2019. 91 points.

Luscious creamy mocha and black cherry aromas—similar to those from a Grand Cru Bordeaux Saint-Émilion wine made from grapes that grow over blue clay. Flavors of dark red fruit, minestrone, bullion and red cherries. A well-made and well-balanced wine with a slightly herbaceous finish.

Zavalloni. Amedeo. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2019. 94 points.

Creamy aromas of wet clay, red cherries, some tarragon, holly and malt balls. A truly lovely, layered and scrumptious wine that could compare well even against a Pomerol from Bordeaux. Soft velvety tannins integrated with flavors of German chocolate cake, red cherries and candy cane.

Galassi Maria. Smembar. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2019. 94 points.

This Nebbiolo colored wine includes luscious aromas of steaming fruit cake and wafting Amarone. This could be a 20-year-old-Bordeaux with aromas of orange rind, sultanas, treacle. A three-dimensional, layered wine with flavors of Port and Nebbiolo, as well as sage and oranges. Some treacle on the finish. Supple tannins and embracing acidity.

Galassi Maria. Natore. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2019. 92 – 93 points.

This Nebbiolo colored wine includes aromas of Amarone, orange rinds, sage, smoke, cayenne and a blast of black pepper. The flavor profile is of a luscious pancake slathered in marmalade, sultanas and vanilla ice cream. Flavors of light brandy, apricots, plums, minestrone with a hit of crème de menthe. Astoundingly well integrated and with deft though firm and well-structured tannins and juicy acidity.

Fattoria Nicolucci. Predappio di Predappio – Vigna del Generale. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2019. 92 – 93 points.

Fluffy and silky aromas of milk chocolate, mint crisp and red cherries. A well-structured, well-crafted rich wine with soft fruit flavors of strawberries and sultanas. Angel cake on the finish. Beautifully crafted.

Fattoria Nicolucci. Tre Rocche. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2021. 90 points.

Aromas of red fruit, cream crackers and eucalyptus. Aearty and full package with gorgeous red fruit flavors and suave acidity that is well integrated with tannins.

Fattoria Nicolucci. Vigna del Generale. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2016. 92 points.

Aromas of butterscotch, brownies, red cherries, bullion and violets. Soft tannins; flavors of licorice and cocoa, and walnuts on the finish.

Villa Papiano. Prè. Romagna Sangiovese Predappio. DOC. 2019. 92 – 93 points.

Harmonious and delicious as a Saint-Émilion Grand Cru from Bordeaux. A complex and joyful meld of aromas that include marshmallows, linseed, olive oil and strawberry shortcake. Fluffy mouthful of silky tannins and slight menthol. Flavors of Terry’s All Gold chocolate, mandarins and After Eight mints. A tinge of orange liqueur on the finish.

Villa Papiano. Le Papesse. Romagna Sangiovese Modigliana. DOC. 2020. 90 points.

Aromas of cranberries, smoke, red plums, mocha, blueberries and violets. Textured flavors of chocolate and slightly astringent raspberries and cherries on the finish. Well-structured mid weight tannins and lovely acidity in this semi-complex wine.

Villa Bagnolo. Sassetto. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2019. 93 points.

Aromas of wet earth, bramble, black licorice, After Eight mints, Maltesers chocolates and crème de menthe. Rich with layered tannins and complexity and flavors that include blueberry and red cherry tart, Amarone and sultanas.

Tenute Tozzi. Iko. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore. DOC. 2019. 92 – 93 points.

Aromas of red cherries and Roma tomatoes, as well as petrol and gorse. Soft and supple tannins, and creamy flavors of red and black cherries as though in a parfait, with a smidgen of herbaceous flavors. Overall a slightly complex delight.

Ballardini Riccardo. Torricello. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2018. 92 points.

Soft yet generous aromas of cherry parfait. Flavors of red cherries and eucalyptus. Structured, tannic backbone.

Fattoria del Monticino Rosso. Le Morine. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2018. 92 points.

Cherry mocha matrix of aromas that also include blackberries, peat, wild bramble and dark licorice. Soft red fruit is well integrated with tannins. Some black cherry and minestrone on the finish.

Domini Glicine. Intenzioni. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2017. 91 points.

Fluffy light aromas—angel cake, mandarins and red cherries. Slight eucalyptus on the finish. Chiseled tannins coating flavors of black licorice. Structured and almost Barolo like with its steely tannic backbone.

Calonga. Michelangelo. Romagna Sangiovese Superiore Riserva. DOC. 2017. 92 points.

Rich, generous and sumptuous aromas of red cherries, Fry’s chocolate, tobacco and tarragon flavors amid well-structured tannins. A juicy beauty with firm flavors of red fruit. Slight menthol on the finish.

Giovanna Madonia. Ombroso. Romagna Sangiovese Bertinoro Riserva. DOC. 2019. 93 points.

Gorgeous and creamy aromas of raspberries, brownies and angel cake. A soft and layered meld of red fruit and licorice in a mocha matrix.

Rocche Malatestiane. Il Mastino. Romagna Sangiovese Riserva. DOC. 2018. 93 – 94 points.

Supple, seductive, balanced medley of red fruit with cocoa and mint brittle. Lovely flavors of German chocolate cake, cranberries, almonds and nectarines.

Drei Dona. Vigna del Pruno. Romagna Sangiovese Riserva. DOC. 2018. 92 points.

Aromas of chalk, blackberries, prunes, figs, tobacco and sage. Textured tannins and a mid palate of red peppers, minestrone and goulash. Supple, quiet acidity.

Assirelli. Monte del Re. Romagna Sangiovese Riserva. DOC. 2018. 93 points.

An explosion of red cherry aromas, as well as brick and orange rind. Soft mouth feel and flavors of fruits and fudge. Gorgeous finish of red cherries and blueberries.

Fattoria Zerbina. Monografia 2. Romagna Sangiovese Riserva Marzeno. DOC. 92 points.

Crispy dry aromas of biscuits, some petrol and orange rind. A delicate mouthful with some exquisite flavors of red raspberries and mild menthol on the finish.

Fattoria Zerbina. Pietramora. Romagna Sangiovese Marzeno Riserva. DOC. 2011. 92 points.

Volatile aromas of sage, crushed red cherries and mandarin peel. Rich flavors of cocoa biscuits, treacle and red cherries in this wine that includes well integrated and textured tannins and fruit. Flavors well bonded by acidity.