Among our vineyards on the Mottolone
(The "Pianoro")
The Euganean Hills
The Euganean Hills form a hill range which extends over an area of 250 square kilometres and rises on the Venetian plain reaching an altitude of 603 metres, with Mount Venda being the highest. They formed from ancient underwater volcanic eruptions that ended about 30 million years ago. The lava flow formed conical hills of marl, very brittle, which disintegrated and gave rise to very deep and fertile soils. The grapes, which are harvested from the vineyards grown in these soils, produce mineral and elegant wines with velvety tannins.
Where there was no lava flow, volcanoes raised the seabed and formed hills with more modest elevations of limestone soil due to the significant presence of marine sediments. The soil of these hills is shallow and full of shells. Despite this, vines can still grow here, although it produces a very low grape yield per hectare. The wines produced from these grapes are highly concentrated, of great power and are an expression of a wonderful, unique and precious region.
Due to this morphological diversity, the Euganean Hills give the landscape a unique appearance. Their proximity to the Adriatic Sea and the Prealps affect its climate, giving vast ranges in temperature. The grapes that are produced have very interesting aromatic features. In the southern area of the Euganean Hills, the climate is purely Mediterranean, with species of plants and trees that are usually not found in these latitudes such as olive, almond, jujube, rosemary, sage, gorse and splendid blooms of spontaneous orchids. The vineyards that are located in the north have a cooler climate which favours alpine vegetation. So here, we can find tree and plant species such as chestnut, black locust, butcher's broom and many species of edible mushrooms.
Francesco Petrarca, high poet and ambassador of the 14th century, lived the second part of his life in Arquà Petrarca where he was able to benefit from the mild climate and the presence of thermal waters for his treatments. Here he found inspiration for his poetry. Currently his last home and his mortal remains are still present.
