Top 7 Emilian Fruits

Amarena is a unique type of cherry originating from Bologna in Italy. It was developed by Gennaro Fabbri. The cherries have a dark, almost black color, while the texture of the flesh is tender and firm. The flavor is best described as sour, acidic, and sweet. These cherries are used in many ways – as a topping for gelato, in fruit salads, cocktails, cakes, tarts, pies, pastries, and chilled drinks. Amarena is also often transformed into a sweet and sour cherry syrup.Expand

Lambrusco is a sparkling red wine hailing from the Emilia-Romagna and Lombardy region of Italy, particularly from areas around Modena, Reggio Emilia and Mantua. This wine is made from several varieties of the Lambrusco grape, each contributing different characteristics to the final product. Lambrusco wines are typically light and frothy, with a range of sweetness levels from dry (secco) to sweet (dolce). They exhibit a vibrant ruby-red color and often have a delightful effervescence due to their natural sparkle. The aromatic profile of Lambrusco includes notes of red berries, cherries, and sometimes floral hints like violets. On the palate, these wines are known for their refreshing acidity, light tannins, and fruity flavors, which can include strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries. The sweetness can vary, but even the sweeter versions maintain a balance with their acidity, making them enjoyable and easy to drink. Lambrusco is best enjoyed chilled and is a popular choice for pairing with a variety of foods. It goes particularly well with the rich and savory dishes of Emilia-Romagna, such as cured meats, cheeses, pasta with hearty sauces, and even pizza.Expand

Named after the city of Vignola whose economy is primarily based on agriculture, especially fruit farming, Ciliegia di Vignola refers to the fresh fruits of the following cherry cultivars: Bigarreau Moreau, Mora di Vignola (early ripening), Durone dell’Anella, Anellone, Giorgia, Durone Nero I, Samba, Van (mid-season), Durone II, Durone della Marca, Lapins, Ferrovia and Sweet Heart (late ripening). The delicious Vignola cherries are traditionally grown in the provinces of Modena and Bologna, at an altitude ranging from 30 to 1000 meters, where they thrive in the favorable pedoclimatic conditions of the area. Compared to other varieties, these cherries are much larger in size and thus particularly prized and sought after. The color of sweet flavored Vignola cherries ranges from light red to crimson, and thanks to its firm and juicy flesh, their culinary use is endless. Lastly, there are two important cherry festivals in Vignola which are not to be missed: Festa dei Ciliegi in Fiore, held in April when orchards are in full blossom, and Tempo di Ciliegie, a cultural and gastronomic fair held in June, when visitors can try an array of various cherry-based foods and drinks.Expand

Grown within the provinces of Bologna, Forlì-Cesena, Ferrara and Ravenna, Pesca e Nettarina di Romagna refer to the fresh peaches and nectarines characterized by their juicy flesh, sweet flavor and a particularly fragrant aroma. They are available on the market from early June to late September. Romagna peaches and nectarines are typically eaten fresh but they can also be used as an ingredient in preparing various desserts.Expand

Albana is a white wine grape variety predominantly grown in the Emilia-Romagna region of Italy, particularly around the town of Bertinoro. Known for producing Italy's first DOCG white wine, Albana is versatile and can be made into a range of styles, including dry, sweet, and passito (a dessert wine made from dried grapes). Albana wines are typically golden yellow in color and possess a rich aromatic profile, featuring notes of ripe stone fruits such as apricot and peach, alongside floral hints of acacia and hawthorn. Some expressions also exhibit a subtle nuttiness and honeyed character. On the palate, Albana wines are known for their full-bodied structure and balanced acidity. The dry versions often present flavors of ripe fruit, almonds, and a characteristic minerality, while the sweeter styles, including passito, offer lush honeyed and dried fruit flavors with a velvety texture. Albana's acidity helps to keep even the sweetest versions lively and refreshing. These wines can be enjoyed young, particularly the dry styles, which are appreciated for their fresh and vibrant qualities. However, the sweeter and passito versions can benefit from aging, developing greater complexity and depth over time. Albana pairs well with a variety of foods, including rich pasta dishes, roasted poultry, and desserts like biscotti and fruit tarts.Expand

Grown in the provinces of Reggio Emilia, Ferrara, Modena, Ravenna and Bologna, Pera dell’Emilia Romagna refers to fresh pears of the following varieties: Abate Fetel, Conference, Decana del Comizio, Kaiser, Max Red Bartlett, Cascade, Passa Crassana and William. The excellent quality of these pears is directly influenced by the pedoclimatic conditions of the designated cultivation area and the producers' expertise. Depending on the variety, the harvesting of Emilia-Romagna pears generally begins in mid-August and lasts until the end of September. Since all of the varieties are particularly juicy and sweet, Emilia-Romagna pears can be used in numerous sweet and savory dishes. For an interesting combination of flavors, they can be enjoyed in a risotto with Pecorino cheese and paired with a glass of white wine.Expand

Spergola is a rare Italian white grape from Emilia Romagna. It is now mostly planted around Reggio Emilia. The grape is quite versatile, and apart from dry wines, it can also be used for sparkling and dessert (passito) styles. The resulting wines are straw-colored, bright, and crisp. Their aroma is fruity and floral, reminiscent of white flowers such as jasmine and acacia, along with citrus and green apple notes. The wines are refreshing, approachable, and mineral, with bright and lively acidity. Dry wines can be served with appetizers, seafood dishes, or pasta. Sparkling wines make a great aperitif and are best served with appetizers, while sweet styles can be paired with cookies, pastries, and fruit tarts. The most important appellation for Spergola is Colli Scandiano DOC.Expand