The denomination Modena DOC was created in 2009 and represents one of the most important wine producing areas of the

Emilia-Romagna region.

The wines included in this denomination are produced in the territorial areas of the provinces of Modena and are represented by different types of white and red sparkling wines which are mainly based on Lambrusco grapes: the grapes variety known by this name has the peculiarity that in autumn it becomes all red (leaves, stalks and pedicels).

The latin writer Cato already speaks of the “vitis Labrusca” in De Agricoltura and also do it others latin authors: Varrone in De Rustica and again Plinio in the Naturale Historia.

 

It should be remembered that the ancient vines were wild (vitis vinifera silvestris occidentalis) and, deriving from the genetic evolution of this type of vine whose domestication took place in the Modena area, Lambrusco is considered one of the most autochthonous vines in the world.

 

The best known type of Lambrusco is "Lambrusco Grasparossa" of Castelvetro, a city in the Modena's province.

The areas of its production include the entire administrative territory of the municipalities in the province of Modena: Castelfranco Emilia, Castelnuovo Rangone, Castelvetro, Fiorano, Formigine, Maranello, Marano sul Panaro, Prignano sul Secchia, Savignano sul Panaro, Spilamberto, Sassuolo, Vignola, S. Cesario sul Panaro.

 

As in the Bolognese territory, also the denomination Colli Bolognesi DOC is used.

This denomination includes the following types: Barbera (also in the Frizzante and Riserva versions), Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Sauvignon, Riesling Italico, Pinot Bianco and of course Pignoletto (exclusively in the Superiore, Frizzante, Spumante and Passito versions).

 

The DOCG mention was recognized on 8 November 2010.

The production area includes municipalities in the province of Bologna: the entire administrative territory of the municipalities of Monte San Pietro and Monteveglio, part of the administrative territory of the municipalities of Bazzano, Casalecchio di Reno, Castello di Serravalle, Crespellano, Sasso Marconi, Zola Predosa. And actually even a small portion of territory in the province of Modena, in the municipality of Savignano sul Panaro.

 

Pignoletto is rightly considered the "King of the Bolognese Hills" and it is known since the times of the ancient Romans: Pliny the Elder in his Naturalis Historia of the 1st century AD also mentions a wine called "Pino Lieto" which "is not sweet enough to be good", not appreciated because the ancient Romans loved sweet wines (see also page Typical products)