There is an interesting region in and around the province of Piacenza, in Emilia Romagna. The small city of a little over 100,000 inhabitants, Piacenza is the birth place of the famous fashion designer, Giorgio Armani.

This is also an interesting wine region which makes 18 different DOC Colli Piacentini wines, both red and white with most of them having a sparkling version as well. Some of them are made from indigenous grapes specific to this region, all grown in the hilly areas.

Location

Piacenza is an important business center, located 60 Km south of Milan. This neighbour of the province of Parma is 2200 years old and lies on the right bank of river Po.

It comprises four valleys- Trebbia, Nure, Arda and Tidone valley. Four roads start from Piacenza in the direction of these four main valleys, which divide the province into four gullies.

Past History

Az. Agr. “Le Torricelle” in the Castle of Agazzano

There is evidence of wine being produced in Piacenza since pre-Roman times.
A famous Roman silver goblet, called "Gutturnium", was found in river Po in 1878.

The small bronze statue of a drinking Hercules dated first century AD, was discovered in 1760. A small bronze model of a sheep liver, known as Etruscan Liver, discovered in the 2nd century BC is covered with inscriptions that include the name of the Etruscan god of wine.

During several excavations, many fossils of vines, grape-seeds and vine stumps dating back to pre-Roman period were also found. Greeks influenced the viticulture of wines in Piacenza significantly.

The Magnificent DOC Wines of Colli Piacentini

Piacenza can indeed boast a centuries-long wine-making tradition. It was Awarded the title of "International City of Vines and Wine" by the Office Internationale de la Vigne et du Vin, Paris (OIV) in 1987.

Historically, its noble wines were appreciated by popes and kings including Pope Paul III Farnese and Philip V of Spain.

Az. Agr. "Le Torricelle", Piacenza

Even the great Renaissance artist Michelangelo loved Piacenza wines. They also graced the table of the Emperor Napoleon. Legend has it that the Piacenza wines were taken away by several conquerors, including Charles V of Spain, and many Princes and men of arms.

Wine Tour of the Valleys of Piacenza

On the hills of Piacenza the suitable wine production areas are the valleys Tidone, Trebbia, Nure and Arda.

Each one is different from the others, but all of them are rich in history, art, culture and uncontaminated nature. Visiting the territory, you will also have the opportunity to taste their 18 magnificent DOC wines.

Set at a height of 110-200 mts. the vineyards of Tidone Valley drive their roots in a soil of calcareous argillaceous marls, extremely rich of potassium.

Vineyards map of year 1740

From this area about the 70% of the whole production of wine grapes of Piacenza province come.

This land also preserves attractive geological memories- 14 millions years ago; the Padana Plain was the floor of Adriatic Sea.

Viticulture

According to records of 2007, 6,313 hAs of land is being used for growing vines here. All the vineyards are located on the hills, at an altitude of 150- 450 m.

Out of this, 4,515 hAs, i.e., 71.5% of this land were registered as DOC Colli Piacentini.