Ortrugo

Ortrugo - from the disqualifying etymology of "other grape", i.e. minor, for blending - is, together with the malvasia di Candia aromatica, the most significant white grape variety of the Colli Piacentini, in Emilia. Although vinified as a single variety since the sixteenth century, in the twentieth century it risked extinction due to the success of the more immediate malvasia, which had almost completely supplanted it. Yet, among the wines that can be classified as "an everyday pleasure", ortrugo is one of the best, and is excellent alone, generally sparkling or spumante using the Charmat method, and in blends with malvasia di Candia aromatica. Straw-coloured or greenish, it has fragrant aromas, even if rather neutral, and a crunchy, fresh, sapid, almond-flavoured, very captivating palate. As a blend, malvasia gives it aromas and a little roundness.