The Colli Euganei DOC covers the hills of volcanic origin in the province of Padua, in Veneto: typically cone-shaped rises standing in a group out of the Po plain, inside the Colli Euganei Regional Park. The area takes in the whole of Arquà Petrarca, Galzignano Terme and Torreglia and part of fourteen other municipalities, including Este, Monselice, Teolo and Abano Terme. Most vineyards lie between 50 and 300 metres, reaching almost 400. It has been a DOC since 1969 and has about 540 hectares, with an output of 19,750 hectolitres.
A long history
Terracotta finds, bowls and cups linked to wine drinking show that vines grew on the Euganean Hills as early as the seventh-sixth century BC, and in Roman times several Latin historians mention vines around Padua. Farming records from 1879 attest to the presence of Moscato. From one type of Moscato Giallo, Fior d'Arancio, a separate appellation was born: since 2010 it has been the Colli Euganei Fior d'Arancio DOCG.
The whites
The Bianco combines at least 30% Garganega, at least 30% Glera, called Serprino here, and/or Sauvignon, and 5 to 10% Moscato. Among the varietals, with at least 85% of the grape, are Garganega, Chardonnay, Manzoni Bianco, Pinot Bianco, Sauvignon and Tai, from Friulano. Serprino and Pinello are frizzante, also in a sweet version. The Moscato requires at least 90% Moscato Bianco and may be dry, sweet or sparkling.
The reds
The Rosso is a blend of Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère and Merlot, with no grape above 85% and Raboso up to 10%. The varietals, with at least 85%, are Cabernet, Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère, Merlot and Raboso. The Rosso and the red varietals may be Riserva, with at least 24 months of ageing; the Merlot may also be Novello.
The frizzante Serprino goes with cured meats and starters; the still whites with vegetables, risottos and fish; the red Riservas with grilled meat and game; the sweet Moscato with pastries. A little further west, in the province of Vicenza, are the Colli Berici; around Verona lies Soave, another land of Garganega.
