Located between Val D’Arda and Val Nure, two of the four main valleys of the Colli Piacentini, Val Chero partly extends into the Stirone and Placenziano Regional Park. This protected area of over 300 hectares has been known for its exceptional wealth of marine fossils, indeed Leonardo Da Vinci wrote about it in 1482 in the Codex Leicester. Codice Leicester.
Two different soils are present on these hillsides. On one side, there are grey clay sands containing fossils from coastal environments that date back more than two million years (the middle and upper Pliocene); on the other, we find yellow sands that originated in beach environments. This conformation forms the basis of the marked flavours of the wines and their aromatic complexity which is linked to the rich deposit of micronutrients found in the Placenziano rocks.
The shells and fossils of the ancient “Pliocene Sea” are emblematic of the geodiversity of the Apennines and now influence the traits of the wines produced on these hills, from Malvasia di Candia Aromatica to Ortrugo and from Gutturnio to Cabernet Sauvignon.
Arrivare in Val Chero per assaggiare i vini dei Colli Piacentini, che qui hanno un sapore davvero speciale per via di questi suoli particolarissimi, è anche un’occasione imperdibile per scoprire un territorio ricco di storia, arte e bellezza. Una delle mete più affascinanti sono gli scavi archeologici della città romana di Veleja, scoperti a metà del Settecento dal duca di Parma Filippo di Borbone. Nell’area, a un’altitudine di 500 metri, si trovano il foro, le terme e un piccolo museo conservato nell’Antiquarium.
As you climb higher, you come across the woods of Obolo and Groppovisdomo covered in mountain vegetation. These are swept by fresh breezes that generate a microclimate favourable to wine growing. A descent to the valley allows you to visit the charming medieval villages in the nearby Val D'Arda. The most characteristic are Castell’Arquato and Vigoleno, which both feature among the one hundred most beautiful villages in Italy and have the Orange Flag quality brand of the Italian Touring Club. Yet many more villages will enchant you with castles set among vineyards, characteristic squares and unique views.
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