In the heart of Romagna, following the Samoggia stream northward, you’ll find the Oriolo subzone. Here, the landscape transforms with changing soils and a climate that becomes increasingly Mediterranean.
Positioned between Faenza and Forlì, this area spans several hamlets at elevations ranging from 60 to 200 meters above sea level. To the east of Faenza, you’ll find Santa Lucia delle Spianate and Oriolo; towards Forlì are Castiglione, Petrignone, and Villagrappa, with a small portion extending between Castrocaro and Brisighella.
The terrain here is largely dominated by washed-out, iron-rich clay, particularly on the Faenza side, and becomes less red and dense as the elevation rises. At around 200 meters, Sangiovese vines produce wines with bright, juicy fruit flavors and a straightforward, delicious structure. The influence of the sea breezes, especially in the higher, more exposed areas, gives these wines a distinctive warmth and softness, rather than the usual tannic grip and acidity.
Moving eastward, you encounter more ochre-colored soils and the distinctive Pliocene yellow sands. In these sandier soils—especially in the higher hillsides—wines develop a pleasing balance and salinity, although they might lose a bit of structure.
In the Petrignone hills, with their darker soils, Sangiovese shows a more intense savory and tannic character, while the Molasse del Messinianomolasse adds mineral aromas, resulting in wines with a broad and full-bodied expression.
The Tower of Oriolo
No visit to Oriolo is complete without stopping at the historic Tower, built in 1474. Originally a castle, it was given by Archbishop Bartolomeo Roverella to Carlo II Manfredi, Lord of Faenza, and transformed into a military fortress. By the late 18th century, it became privately owned and mainly served as a residence for tenant farmers working the surrounding vineyards. Today, thanks to the restoration by the Torre di Oriolo Association, the hexagonal tower is open to visitors and hosts guided tours, historical reenactments, and food and wine events.