Our soils are diverse in origin and composition, rich in nutrients and minerals. Microclimates, favorable exposure and strong thermal excursions are the unique characteristics to be found in our wines!
Italy, Veneto, Padova;
60 km from Venice, 25 km from Vicenza, 100 km from Verona and 250 km from Milan: this is the geographical context where the Euganean Hills are located. This area represents the feather in the cap of wine-growing and producing in Padova’s province.
The shape of the Euganean area is given by the hills which make the plain’s surface look round; if we examine it in depth, we will notice that the area of the EUGANEAN HILLS has some unique geological, environmental, landscape and climate features that are deeply connected to its ancient volcanic origins.
The fascinating and ancient origins of the Euganean hills: the magma and the sea
At the beginning there was the sea, as we understand from the calcareous soils of the area, clear and rich in fossils: the most ancient geological formations of the area!
43 million years ago, the magma pouring out of some fractures on the Earth’s crust spread out on the sea bottom thus creating the basaltic rocks that can be recognized by their very dark color.
After an inactive phase, 30 million years ago, a second series of eruptions led to the leaking of a more acidic and viscous magma. When it was flowing upwards, the lava stopped in an underground basin and only the lighter magma was able to emerge; this phase is responsible for the morphology of the hills and the formation of rocks with a medium content of silica: rhyolite, latite, and the more famous trachyte that is the material that covers the streets of Venice (calli).
The fascinating and ancient origins of the Euganean hills: the magma and the sea
At the beginning there was the sea, as we understand from the calcareous soils of the area, clear and rich in fossils: the most ancient geological formations of the area!
43 million years ago, the magma pouring out of some fractures on the Earth’s crust spread out on the sea bottom thus creating the basaltic rocks that can be recognized by their very dark color.
After an inactive phase, 30 million years ago, a second series of eruptions led to the leaking of a more acidic and viscous magma. When it was flowing upwards, the lava stopped in an underground basin and only the lighter magma was able to emerge; this phase is responsible for the morphology of the hills and the formation of rocks with a medium content of silica: rhyolite, latite, and the more famous trachyte that is the material that covers the streets of Venice (calli).
Euganean Hills: an unmistakable skyline
At the end of this phase the hilltops appeared on the surface of the sea, even though it was only at the end of the Quaternary Period that the sea receded completely, the Padana Plain was formed and the Euganean Hills surfaced entirely.
The distinctive and uneven morphology of the elevations is responsible for the variety of local microclimates, at times conflicting, which favor the cohabitation of thermophilic species and species that are more typical of the mountains.
Mediterranean Scrub areas alternate with grasslands, while the northern land is covered with chestnut forests and the southern land is covered with oak forests. Between the two lands, taking advantage of the better drained soil and the best exposure, is the vine, the true protagonist of the Euganean landscape.
Euganean Hills: an unmistakable skyline
At the end of this phase the hilltops appeared on the surface of the sea, even though it was only at the end of the Quaternary Period that the sea receded completely, the Padana Plain was formed and the Euganean Hills surfaced entirely.
The distinctive and uneven morphology of the elevations is responsible for the variety of local microclimates, at times conflicting, which favor the cohabitation of thermophilic species and species that are more typical of the mountains.
Mediterranean Scrub areas alternate with grasslands, while the northern land is covered with chestnut forests and the southern land is covered with oak forests. Between the two lands, taking advantage of the better drained soil and the best exposure, is the vine, the true protagonist of the Euganean landscape.
Basalt and tuff = structure and taste
The wines obtained from magmatic soils, everywhere in the world, are similar in their organoleptic properties, and are easily recognizable and remarkable: the credit goes to basalt and tuff rocks, the main elements which form these particular soils.
“Soils made from volcanic rocks have higher macro-porosity values; these rocks can store water up to 100% of their weight, releasing it very slowly. (…) What is more, the roots breathe actively and benefit from being in contact with rocks whose porosities are filled with gaseous substances, providing them for the plant’s needs”.
Sandro Gini, President of the Soave Consortium
Basalt and tuff = structure and taste
The wines obtained from magmatic soils, everywhere in the world, are similar in their organoleptic properties, and are easily recognizable and remarkable: the credit goes to basalt and tuff rocks, the main elements which form these particular soils.
“Soils made from volcanic rocks have higher macro-porosity values; these rocks can store water up to 100% of their weight, releasing it very slowly. (…) What is more, the roots breathe actively and benefit from being in contact with rocks whose porosities are filled with gaseous substances, providing them for the plant’s needs”.
Sandro Gini, President of the Soave Consortium
Volcanic wines, an explosive taste
Mineral, deep, elegant and enduring: these are the essential characteristics belonging to our wines. The credit for this quality list goes to the Euganean terroir, whose volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate provide the perfect conditions for a winemaking industry that is capable of expressing every potential of the area.
Our wines have great expressive powers and structural elements, with savory, sour and mineral notes. It is possible to discern smoked, iodized and rocky scents; our wines have an inclination for complexity and strong potentialities for ageing: the truth of the matter is that they are explosive!
In 2012 Volcanic Wines was born, the association which brings together the DOC wines of volcanic origin from all over Italy, with the purpose of selecting this typology of wines on a scientific base and collect them under one brand: Poderi del Doge has been using this brand since 2019!
Volcanic wines, an explosive taste
Mineral, deep, elegant and enduring: these are the essential characteristics belonging to our wines. The credit for this quality list goes to the Euganean terroir, whose volcanic soils and Mediterranean climate provide the perfect conditions for a winemaking industry that is capable of expressing every potential of the area.
Our wines have great expressive powers and structural elements, with savory, sour and mineral notes. It is possible to discern smoked, iodized and rocky scents; our wines have an inclination for complexity and strong potentialities for ageing: the truth of the matter is that they are explosive!
In 2012 Volcanic Wines was born, the association which brings together the DOC wines of volcanic origin from all over Italy, with the purpose of selecting this typology of wines on a scientific base and collect them under one brand: Poderi del Doge has been using this brand since 2019!