Novebolle: a new Romagna Spumante DOC project

Whether the Martinotti (Charmat) or Traditional Method is used, be it a Trebbiano-based bubbly or a rosé made using Sangiovese, Novebolle is the new trademark identifying sparkling Romagna wines.

The Novebolle Project was recently presented by the Consorzio Vini di Romagna producers’ association and last weekend starred in the Wein-Tour Cattolica event, along with other interesting Emilia Romagna wines. At first glance it may seem to be something that an advertiser pulled out of a magic hat but it is a project that confirms yet again, as if it was necessary, how Emilia Romagna is one of the few regions where wine producers successfully work together as a team, not only on a cultivation level between winegrowers but also in regard to production between wine cooperatives.

Many may see it as a commercial ploy targeted for a market of young people and party-goers but behind Novebolle is above all a virtuous supply chain project for Italian sparkling wine consumption focusing on the different wines produced under the DOC Romagna Spumante umbrella and made possible thanks to the Consorzio Tutela Vini di Romagna producers’ association with its over 100 wine cooperative members.

The name Novebolle (nine bubbles) refers to the Nove (nine) Romagna hills were wine is produced and above all to the Novecento (‘900s or 20th century). At the beginning of the previous century, in fact, sparkling wine production in Romagna was at its peak, to then decline in the following decades even if historic evidence indicates that some producers continue to turn out quality and elegant Romagna bubbly. The Belle Époque also existed in Italy and the sparkling wines produced between San Mauro, Imola and Cattolica were successfully marketed as a domestic alternative to Champagne. So much so that historian Beppe Sangiorgi and the president of Consorzio Vini di Romagna Giordano Zinzani have complied documents and studies regarding regional sparkling wine tradition in a book entitled: “Champagne and Romagna Spumante, From the Early 1900s to Today”.

Novebolle is a collective registered brand, a new trademark of Romagna Spumante DOC that every producer can use by adhering to certain production procedures, similar to the situation in Franciacorta with Satèn. And the logo reflects the history of the region’s sparkling wine production: the nine letters in “Novebolle” are made using a Romagna typeface dating back to the early 20th century that has a distinct Liberty style.

According to regulations, Novebolle is a sparkling wine that can be made using either the Martinotti (Charmat) or Traditional Method and can be either a white wine or a rosé. Novebolle Bianco is a white wine made for the most part using Trebbiano di Romagna grapes (between 70 and 90%) with the blend having no more than 30% of other varietals permitted by Romagna DOC appellation regulations (Albana, Bombino Bianco, Pignoletto, Pagadebit, Chardonnay and so on) and other aromatic varieties including Incrocio Manzoni (10% max) and Famoso (5% max). The Rosé, on the other hand, is based on Sangiovese di Romagna (70-90%) with no more than 30% composed of white and red wines allowed by Romagna DOC regulations, including the indigenous Longanesi varietal.

The progenitor of this new brand was an innovative joint-venture between the region’s two leading cooperatives, Caviro and Terre Cevico, struck under the respected and authoritative direction of Ruenza Santandrea, the national coordinator for the wine sector of ACI, Alleanze Cooperativa Italiana. The wine is named Bolé and like all courageous projects it began with a bold vision to enhance the value of the region’s grapes through a supply chain supported by over 17,000 cooperative growers.

Novebolle will be a new and important symbol for producers in the region, an opportunity to expand the consumption of their bubbly on the Adriatic coast (and elsewhere) with a viable alternative to the omnipresent Prosecco.

Related Products