Castrocaro covers a fairly large area, with elevations ranging from 80 meters above sea level in the northernmost section to over 300 meters in the southern part, along the upper Montone Valley. This valley runs through the entire subzone, starting from Castrocaro Terme e Terra del Sole, passing through Dovadola, and finally reaching Rocca San Casciano, which lies just a stone’s throw from Tuscany.
The territory of Castrocaro includes three historically recognized zones, each with its own distinct identity.
– Sadurano features clayey soils with veins of sand and calanchi formations, producing wines known for their power and firm tannic structure.
– Terra del Sole, at a lower elevation and marked by less calcareous, medium-depth clay soils, yields Sangiovese wines that are fruit-rich and warm, with round, velvety tannins and generous volume.
– Bagnolo, on the other hand, is known for its spectacular badlands, elevations over 250 meters, and tenacious, low-fertility clay-limestone soils. Here, the wines tend to be more tannic and mineral, with less overt fruit, subtle vegetal notes, and a slower aging curve.
The area around Castrocaro itself is particularly noteworthy in terms of wine production. Ochre-colored clay-limestone soils dominate, especially around Sadurano, and play a defining role in shaping the style of local wines.
And the name “Terra del Sole” (Land of the Sun) is no coincidence: the sunny climate and hillside exposures give the local Romagna Sangiovese wines their signature style. These are fruit-forward reds, with smooth tannins balanced by a soft alcoholic and glyceric roundness, and moderate acidity.
The Castrocaro Sangiovese identity is best described as warm, rich, and enveloping, yet always balanced. Their edges are softened, their power contained – making them some of the most approachable and expressive wines of the region. This is especially true in the lower Montone Valley, where vineyards sit at elevations between 150 and 250 meters.