Ronchi Varesini

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The production area lies between 200 and 500 metres above sea level, with varying aspects, particularly in the hillside zones.
• The Prealpi Varesine are geologically composed of cherty limestones with dolomitic and marly limestones, on slopes ranging from undulating to moderately steep, with gradients of 0–45%.
• The eastern morainic hills of the Verbano (Colline moreniche orientali del Verbano) feature non-calcareous gravels, sands, and silts with outcrops of conglomerates and sandstones, and slopes of 0–20%.
• Soil pH in the first metre is generally moderately acidic, between 5.5 and 6.0, with weakly acidic values in the southern part of the territory grading to neutral in certain areas around the Lago di Varese and, locally, distinctly acidic soils.
• The growing season, defined by a mean temperature above 10°C, extends from 20–25 March to 10–15 October, with a mean annual temperature of 11–12°C and absolute winter minima of between −8 and −10°C.
• Mean annual rainfall increases with latitude, rising from approximately 1,100 mm at the southern boundary of the province to approximately 1,350 mm on the southern shore of Lago Maggiore.

• Pollen and seeds of cultivated vine dating to the seventh century BC have been found on the lakeshore and along the first bends of the Ticino river, in the territory of Castelletto Ticino.
• In 1870 the first cooperative winery of the Varesotto was inaugurated at Travedona under the name Società Vinicola nel Circondario di Varese, and remained active for approximately a decade.

• The white wines, including the sparkling style (frizzante), show floral notes with hints of ripe fruit and are fresh, with a pleasant acidic edge and good structure on the palate.
• The red wines are intense, with notes of cherry and red fruits in general, while on the palate they display non-aggressive tannins and balanced acidity.

Facts drawn from the specification's terroir-link section by automatic interpretation — see the source.

All appellations in Italy

Sources

• eAmbrosia register (EU) — File number PGI-IT-A1037