Monticino Rosso

Emilia-Romagna is often considered one of Italy’s greatest regions for cuisine. Its iconic products Parmigiano Reggiano, Prosciutto di Parma, Aceto Balsamico di Modena, Mortadella, and an extraordinary variety of pastas such as tortellini, garganelli, and lasagna speak volumes for the region’s culinary reputation.

Its wines, however, have not always enjoyed the same international recognition.For many wine drinkers, the first wine associated with Emilia-Romagna is Lambrusco, the light, lively red from the plains around the Po River that became enormously popular abroad during the 1970s and 1980s. Yet beyond the fertile plains lies another side of the region. In the hills rising toward the Apennines, lower-yielding vines planted on well-drained, less fertile soils can produce wines of onsiderably greater structure, character, and complexity. Many of the producers working these hills remain small, family-run estates whose limited production has historically kept them in the shadow of the region’s larger wineries. Fattoria Monticino Rosso is one of these estates. Located in the hills of Imola, near the picturesque town of Dozza and southeast of Bologna, the winery sits at the point where the sparkling-wine traditions of Emilia begin to give way to the still, more powerful wines of Romagna.

The estate was founded in 1965 when Antonio Zeoli purchased the family’s first 13-hectare/ 32 acres property, known as “Olmo.” His sons, Luciano and Gianni, later joined him, and in 1985 the family expanded with the purchase of the neighboring 24-hectare “Monticino Rosso” property, from which the estate takes its present name. Today, Fattoria Monticino Rosso comprises 37 hectares (91 acres), 20 (49 acres) of which are planted with vines. The remaining land is principally devoted to fruit orchards.

The Zeoli family has progressively transformed the estate with a clear objective: to raise wine quality while remaining faithful to the soils, climate, and centuries-old viticultural traditions of Romagna. Modern vineyard and cellar techniques are used thoughtfully rather than for their own sake, with particular emphasis placed on the indigenous varieties that thrive in these hills Albana, Pignoletto, and Sangiovese di Romagna.

In 2000, the family took another major step by moving winemaking operations from the original Olmo property to a new winery at Monticino Rosso. Designed as a true “home of wine,” the facility combines modern winemaking technology with a strong commitment to sustainability and minimal environmental impact. Much of the cellar lies underground, providing natural insulation, while a green roof helps preserve the surrounding landscape and creates an ideal microclimate below. Energy-efficient systems provide additional temperature and humidity control.

The winery was designed not only for efficiency, but to protect the character of the fruit. Grapes are harvested into small crates and processed immediately after picking, helping preserve their natural aromas and flavors. Fermentation, barrel aging, and bottle maturation take place within the three-level facility, allowing the entire life of the wine from freshly harvested grapes through bottling to unfold under one roof. Even the construction reflects the family's philosophy. Materials were selected to remain in harmony with the winery and its surroundings; wood from old wine barrels, for example, was repurposed for the steps leading to the barrel cellar and for its railings. Central to the development of Monticino Rosso has been the guidance of consulting winemaker Giancarlo Soverchia. His philosophy reinforces that great wine cannot be created through technology or investment alone; it requires the direct and dedicated participation of the people who own and work the land. That philosophy fits naturally with the Zeoli family, whose involvement remains at the heart of the estate. Ultimately, Monticino Rosso's goal is straightforward: meticulous work in the vineyard, the most natural winemaking possible, and wines that faithfully express the potential of these beautiful, unspoiled hills of Romagna.