Ortrugo is a white grape variety native to the hills of Piacenza, where it is one of the most distinctive expressions of local viticulture. The name probably derives from the ancient dialect forms ‘altrugo’ or ‘artrugo’, which can be interpreted as ‘other grape’, referring to its historical use as a blending variety. From the 1970s onwards, it was rediscovered and promoted through the production of single-varietal wines, eventually leading to the recognition of a dedicated appellation.
The leaf is large, slightly kidney-shaped, generally three-lobed, sometimes five-lobed, with a wavy margin and a downy underside. The bunch is large, elongated, cylindrical-conical, often featuring a wing and very compact. The berries, of medium size and spheroidal shape, have a firm, pruinose skin of a greenish-yellow colour, which can take on more golden hues as they ripen.
Its main growing area is centred on the province of Piacenza, stretching from the Tidone, Trebbia, Nure and Arda valleys to the surrounding hills, on clayey, calcareous and calcareous-clayey soils. The wine is characterised by a pale straw colour with greenish highlights, delicate aromas of white flowers and fresh fruit, a good balance between freshness and savouriness, a light-bodied structure and a characteristic, slightly bitter finish. It is particularly well-suited to semi-sparkling and sparkling wines; its natural freshness makes it best enjoyed young, whilst still allowing for positive development over a few years.
