We’re in the Rimini area, between the sea and the hills that frame the Valmarecchia Valley. The landscape here is shaped by hills that range in altitude from 50 to 450 meters – creating a dramatic variation that enriches both the climate and the wines produced in this region.
The soils in Verucchio are equally varied: in the lower, warmer areas closer to the sea and plains, the soil is brown and clay-rich; as you move up the hills, the landscape changes and the soil becomes more gray, with a higher presence of gypsum marl.
These differences in altitude and soil type are key to understanding the diversity of Verucchio’s wines. The lower areas produce Sangiovese wines that are fuller-bodied, with a deep color and strong structure. As you move higher into the hills around Verucchio and Torriana, the wines become more refined, fresher, and livelier, thanks to better exposure to the sun and a cooler, breezier climate that helps preserve acidity and balance the fruit’s intensity. The contrast between the lower and higher areas creates an impressive range of Sangiovese wines, from rich and powerful to light and elegant.
The Malatesta Fortress of Verucchio
The Malatesta Fortress, built in 1449 by Sigismondo Malatesta and later passed to the Church and Cesare Borgia, is one of the most iconic fortresses in Romagna. It’s a stunning reminder of the region’s history and the powerful Malatesta family, whose influence shaped much of medieval Italy.
Perched high above the Valmarecchia, the fortress houses the Malatesta family’s extensive family tree. It features two courtyards, the Baronial Palace’s rooms, and the Mastio tower, which offers breathtaking views of the entire valley below.