Modena DOC o di Modena DOC

A little history

“Nature seems to have particularly favoured the city and territory of the State of Modena”. This observation was made by Giuseppe Gorani in volume VI – entitled “Ducato di Modena e Reggio” (Duchy of Modena and Reggio) – of the literary work “L’Italia del XVIII secolo” (18th Century Italy). Indeed, it is no coincidence that vines have existed in the Modena area since ancient times, with references dating back to Cato, Varro and Pliny. In 1300, Pier de’ Crescenzi reported that “Lambrusco grapes” in this area were used to make wine from vines that were no longer wild. Over the centuries, Lambrusco wine from the Modena area has always been held in great esteem by its rulers and use of the term “Modena” or “di Modena” to designate the wines produced here dates back to the mid-19th century. The current specification was first approved in 2009.

The area

The production area of the “Modena” or “di Modena” controlled denomination of origin covers the entire administrative area of the municipalities of Bastiglia, Bomporto, Campogalliano, Camposanto, Carpi, Castelfranco Emilia, Castelnuovo Rangone, Castelvetro di Modena, Cavezzo, Concordia sul Secchia, Finale Emilia, Fiorano Modenese, Formigine, Guiglia, Maranello, Marano sul Panaro, Medolla, Mirandola, Modena, Nonantola, Novi di Modena, Prignano sul Secchia, Ravarino, S. Cesario sul Panaro, S. Felice sul Panaro, S. Possidonio, S. Prospero sul Secchia, Sassuolo, Savignano sul Panaro, Serramazzoni, Soliera, Spilamberto and Vignola, all in the province of Modena.

Wines and grape varieties

14 types are permitted by the specification and these comprise an ampelographic base that ranges from white grape varieties such as Grechetto Gentile, Trebbiano and Montuni to red grape varieties dominated by the extensive Lambrusco family: Grasparossa, Salamino, Sorbara, Marani, Maestri, Montericco, Oliva and Lambrusco a Foglia Frastagliata. The specification also includes other typical grape varieties in the area such as Ancellotta, Malbo Gentile and Fortana.