March 2004
Continuing our journey along the Veneto region wine roads, this month we visit the territory of the Colli Euganei DOC wines. In this area wine production has always been an art, blessed by the characteristics of the local vines as well as by the favorable climate. Up on this southern Veneto mountains the vineyards are sided by prickly pear trees and, thanks to the combined effects of the salty breeze blowing from the sea below and the volcanic soil, the grapes produce exceptional wines characterized by typical Mediterranean mineral nuances.
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LE AZIENDE ASSOCIATE |
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| The Territory | |
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History and nature blessed the Veneto region with anything that a tourist may look for, from beautiful sea shores, to breath taking mountain landscapes, bucolic lakes, natural hot springs and wonderful art towns and cities. The Colli Euganei (Euganei Hills) are located in the central area of the region. Padova, or Padua, with such historical buildings as the Reason Palace, the Caffè Pedrocchi, the St. Antony Basilica and the Scrovegni Chapel among many more architectural treasures, is just a few miles away. It is a beautiful world that unfolds along the Colli Euganei DOC Wine Road, a land to love and appreciate with with both the heart and senses, "drinking" its beauty and its generous products.
The visitor is graced with the unforgettable natural show of blue sky and mysterious fog, vineyards and fields of deep green in springtime and afire in gold and reds in fall, provided by the scented Garganega, Serprina, Tocai, Pinot, Chardonnay, Pinella, Sauvignon, Riesling Italico, Barbera and Raboso vines alternate to the traditional Merlot and Cabernet varieties which have been grown here since the 1800s. The vineyards run regularly across the fields all the way to the edge of ancient woods, providing a picture perfect landscape to the hikers that wander along the peaceful, age-old paths.
The Colli Euganei spring up from the flat land, the result of volcanic eruptions that took place millions of years ago. On these mountain slopes, characterized by a typical pyramid shape, grape growing has been going on since the "atestina" culture, dating back to between the tenth and fifth century B.C. The landscape provides geometri rows of vineyards alternating ancient boroughs, Medieval castles, renaissance villas, noble residences, age-old churches, monasteries and hermitages where Benedictine and Camaldolean monks still live to this day. This area is a chest of natural treasures protected by the administration of the Parco Regionale (Regional Park, characterized by a luscious and varied vegetation that produces precious products all year long, including delicious wild berries, cherries, strawberries, blackberries, pomegranates, figs, aromatic herbs, fine honey and olive oil that is still prepared according to a 700-year-old teste tradition.
Favorite places of famous historical figures, such as Petrarcus,Goethe, Foscolo, Byron and Shelley are aligned along the Colli Euganei DOC wine road. Enchanted landscapes described by literature heroes of all times such as Marziale, Ariosto, Montaigne, Ruzante, Goldoni, Fogazzaro and D'Annunzio.
The most appreciated European hot springs complex, the Terme Euganee, is here as well, welcoming visitors with their well known, energizing mud therapy. In addition the area offers a variety of natural, fun and entertaining activities, from golf, to horse riding, mountain biking, hiking, bird watching and much more. Farm houses and wineries welcome travelers who can enjoy a local zesty spuntino (snack), washed down by the gorgeous local wines. Visitors can spend the night in the many agriturismo (farm vacation houses) and enjoy the traditional village and town festivals. Of course, it's easy to carry a tasty and/or tasteful memory home from a visit to this blessed area,in the form of a bottle of quality wine and traditional artistic ceramics for sale in the many specialized stores along the wine road.
The Colli Euganei DOC wines
There are 13 Colli Euganei DOC wines. Traditional productivity associated with the adoption of advanced technology undergoing continued renewal are at the base of the wines guaranteed by the Consortium for Guardianship of the Colli Euganei DOC wines.
- The warm Colli Euganei Rosso Red)
- The classic Colli Euganei Bianco (White)
- The scented Cabernet Franc
- The powerful Cabernet Sauvignon
- The noble Pinot Bianco (White)
- The international Chardonnay
- The citrusy Fior d'Arancio (Orange Flowers)
- The intense Moscato
- The jovial Novello (New Wine)
- The fresh Pinello
- The elegant Merlot
- The sparkling Serprino
"For us, wine is our passion, our life"
Along the Colli Euganei DOC Wine Road, eno-tourists will find a wine and food paradise where local gastronomic traditions are elaborated upon by the creativity of the local cooks who mix fresh garden products, simple peasant produce and the ancient royal tradition of the Padua court to produce outstanding, zesty recipes.
- Mailing: Via Martiri della Libertà, 9 - 35137 Padova
- Legal Address: Via dei Vescovi, 41 - 35038 Torreglia (PD)
- Phone: +39 049 8223523 - Cell: +39 333 1953253 - Fax +39 049 8223520
- Contact the Association
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