San Colombano al Lambro

Styles

Principal grape varieties

Terroir

• The hill of San Colombano rises approximately 75 metres above the surrounding plain, stretching 7 km from east to west and approximately 2 km in width.
• The hill is considered to be an outlier of the Apennines, whose connecting ridge was severed by the River Po, thereby separating it from the rest of the Apennine range.
• Other theories hold that the hill emerged after the Miocene epoch, based on its coralline nature, which accounts for the discovery of corals and shells.
• The southern slope of the hill features several elongated valleys trending toward the Po as a result of direct erosion, while to the north, toward the Lambro, the profile is more uniform.
• The altitude of the vineyards ranges from 40 to 120 metres above sea level, with slopes varying from 1 to 30%.
• The climate of the area is typical of the Po Plain, with mean annual rainfall of approximately 700–800 mm, a minimum of precipitation in summer and winter, and peaks in spring and autumn.
• From a soil-landscape perspective, the represented sub-systems include ancient terraces raised above the plain, composed of coarse fluvioglacial material, and terraces lying at a lower level than the former.

• Viticulture on the hill of San Colombano al Lambro dates back to Roman times, with numerous archaeological finds scattered throughout the area and concentrated especially on the eastern-facing slopes.
• The development of viticulture on these hills dates to 1394, when the Visconti of Pavia permitted the drawing up of agricultural contracts that were not unduly burdensome for farmers.
• The zone was recognised as a DOC in 1984, and since 1987 the protection and promotion of its production has been entrusted to the Consorzio volontario Vini Doc San Colombano, comprising 17 wine-producing estates.
• The grape varieties traditionally grown in the area and authorised for the production of its wines are Croatina, Uva Rara, Barbera, Malvasia, Verdea, Pinot Nero, and Chardonnay.

• The red wines display a rich colour with violet highlights when very young, or purple to ruby when at a mid stage of evolution, with an intense bouquet of blackberry, marasca cherry, and almonds.
• The flavour of the red wines is dry and very savoury, full and vigorous with an almond finish, while the white wines are broad, soft, and structured, with a floral nose over a fresh, fragrant base.

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 PDO-IT-A1054
• Official trade body site — Consorzio Volontario Vino DOC San Colombano