Nestled in the picturesque Parma Hills, a renowned winery beckons visitors to explore its sustainable viticulture and enjoy the art of winemaking. Here, guests embark on a guided journey, uncovering the stories behind each signature varietal, from the sparkling Sabitu to the robust Méstor. As they savor these wines, paired with a delectable platter of local delicacies, they’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the harmonious blend of flavors that defines this exceptional culinary experience.
Key Points
- Engage in a guided tour of Oinoe La Città del Vino, a winery in the Parma Hills region committed to sustainable viticulture and traditional winemaking practices.
- Discover the winery’s focus on indigenous grape varieties like Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, Lambrusco Maestri, Barbera, and Bonarda, and how they contribute to the signature wine styles.
- Enjoy a wine tasting experience featuring Oinoe’s premium wines, including the vibrant Sabitu sparkling wine, the elegant Rea white, the robust Méstor red, and the well-structured Rosso Parma.
- Indulge in a curated food platter featuring DOP-certified regional specialties, such as cold cuts and Parmigiano Reggiano, that perfectly complement the unique flavors and characteristics of the wines.
- Gain insights into the winery’s commitment to preserving the local terroir and the connection between the land, the vines, and the final wine products through the guided tour.
The Winery and Its Sustainable Viticulture
Since sustainable viticulture is a key focus at Oinoe La Città del Vino, the guided tour allows visitors to explore the winery’s vineyards and learn about their environmentally-conscious practices.
Guides share insights into the winery’s use of traditional methods, minimal sulfites, and careful grape selection.
Visitors discover how the gentle pressing and temperature-controlled fermentation in stainless steel tanks help maintain the purity and freshness of the wines.
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Grape Varieties and Winemaking Processes
During the guided tour, visitors have the opportunity to learn about the diverse grape varieties used in the winery’s wine production.
The winery specializes in three main grapes:
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Malvasia di Candia Aromatica, a white grape variety that contributes floral and fruity notes to the sparkling wine.
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Lambrusco Maestri, a red grape used for the robust red wine.
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Barbera and Bonarda, blended to create the balanced Rosso Parma.
The winemaking process emphasizes traditional methods, gentle pressing, and temperature-controlled fermentation to preserve the purity and freshness of the wines.
Visitors gain insights into the winery’s commitment to sustainable viticulture and its dedication to crafting high-quality, terroir-driven wines.
The Sparkling Wine: Sabitu
The winery’s signature sparkling wine, Sabitu, showcases the exceptional Malvasia di Candia Aromatica grape. This 100% varietal wine delights the palate with its vibrant effervescence and alluring floral and fruity notes.
The grapes are gently pressed, and the wine undergoes a temperature-controlled fermentation process that preserves the grape’s natural aromas and flavors. Sabitu’s lively sparkle and balanced acidity make it a versatile pairing for the local charcuterie and Parmigiano Reggiano served during the tasting.
This sparkling delight exemplifies the winery’s commitment to traditional winemaking techniques and showcasing the terroir of the Parma Hills.
The Still Wine: Rea
Rea, the winery’s still wine, captivates the senses with its floral and fruity aromas. This elegant white wine offers a delightful tasting experience:
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On the nose, it presents notes of ripe peach, freshly cut grass, and a hint of jasmine.
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The palate is medium-bodied, with a harmonious balance of acidity and a pleasant, lingering finish.
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The winemakers’ meticulous attention to detail ensures that Rea showcases the unique terroir of the Parma Hills, delivering a truly memorable sipping experience.
The Robust Red Wine: Méstor
Méstor, the winery’s robust red wine, captivates the palate with its rich and complex flavors. Crafted from 100% Lambrusco Maestri grapes, this wine boasts a deep, ruby-red hue.
On the nose, aromas of ripe berries, spices, and a hint of oak are prevalent. The full-bodied mouthfeel is balanced by a well-integrated acidity, leading to a long, smooth finish.
Méstor’s bold character complements hearty dishes, making it an excellent pairing for grilled meats, aged cheeses, or even dark chocolate. This wine embodies the winery’s commitment to traditional methods and showcases the unique terroir of the Parma Hills region.
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The Blended Red Wine: Rosso Parma
Another notable wine offered during the tasting is Rosso Parma, a harmonious blend of 75% Barbera and 25% Bonarda grapes.
This robust red wine showcases the terroir of the Parma Hills with its:
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Intense ruby color
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Aromas of ripe red berries and spices
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Full-bodied, velvety palate with a long, smooth finish
The blend of Barbera and Bonarda grapes creates a well-structured and balanced wine, making Rosso Parma an excellent pairing for the locally sourced charcuterie and Parmigiano Reggiano served during the tasting experience.
Pairing Wines With Local Delicacies
One of the highlights of the winery visit is the opportunity to savor the local specialties that pair exceptionally well with the curated wine selection.
The DOP-certified cold cuts and Parmigiano Reggiano served alongside the wines enhance the flavors of each sip. The Sabitu sparkling wine‘s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the cured meats, while the full-bodied Méstor red complements the nutty and salty notes of the aged cheese.
These traditional pairings showcase the deep connection between the region’s wines and its renowned culinary heritage, offering a harmonious sensory experience for visitors.
The Guided Tour and Tasting Experience
As visitors arrive at the winery, they’re greeted by knowledgeable guides who lead them on a captivating exploration of the vineyards and production facilities.
The guided tour offers three key highlights:
The guided tour offers three key highlights: an in-depth look at sustainable viticulture, a behind-the-scenes peek at winemaking, and engaging stories about the winery’s commitment to quality.
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An in-depth look at sustainable viticulture practices, with insights into the unique grape varieties cultivated on the Parma Hills.
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A behind-the-scenes peek at the winemaking process, from gentle pressing to temperature-controlled fermentation.
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Engaging stories about the winery’s commitment to craftsmanship, minimal sulfites, and careful grape selection.
Throughout the tour, guests gain a deeper appreciation for the winery’s winemaking philosophy and the connection between the land, vines, and final product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks to the Tasting?
It’s generally not allowed to bring outside food and drinks to the winery’s wine tasting. The experience is designed to showcase the winery’s own wines and local culinary pairings, so participants are expected to enjoy the tasting as provided.
Is There a Dress Code for the Winery Visit?
There’s no formal dress code for the winery visit. Comfortable, casual clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended to explore the vineyards and winery comfortably. Guests should dress appropriately for the weather and their planned activities during the experience.
How Long Does the Guided Tour of the Vineyards Last?
The guided tour of the vineyards lasts approximately 60 minutes. Visitors will explore the sustainable viticulture practices, learn about the grape varieties, and gain insights into the winemaking processes during this informative tour.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Larger Groups?
The experience doesn’t offer specific group discounts, but the group size is limited to 10 participants. Larger groups may want to inquire about booking multiple time slots to accommodate their party.
Can I Purchase the Wines Tasted Directly From the Winery?
Yes, visitors can purchase the wines tasted directly from the winery. The guided experience includes the opportunity to buy the featured wines, allowing you to continue enjoying the regional flavors at home.
The Sum Up
The winery visit on the Parma Hills offers a captivating journey into the region’s sustainable viticulture and renowned winemaking. Guests can savor the signature wines, including the sparkling Sabitu and the robust Méstor, expertly paired with local delicacies. Knowledgeable guides share the unique stories behind each wine, enhancing the overall experience and appreciation for this harmonious culinary adventure.
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