Bagnoli di Sopra DOC is a wine appellation in Veneto’s Padua province, established in 1995. It produces white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines, plus the premium Friularo di Bagnoli DOCG made from Raboso grapes.
Table of Contents
What is Bagnoli DOC?
Bagnoli di Sopra—commonly shortened to Bagnoli DOC—is a small but culturally rich appellation in Veneto’s Padua province. Recognized in 1995, the DOC produces white, rosé, red, and sparkling wines, anchored by the powerful Friularo di Bagnoli DOCG, a Raboso-based red with centuries of tradition.
History and Origins
The roots of Bagnoli’s wine culture stretch back over a millennium. The first written reference, in 954, records Benedictine monks reclaiming swampy terrain to plant vines. Under Venetian rule, Friularo wines gained renown as “Vin da Viajo” (travel wine) for their resilience on long merchant voyages. Today, the DOC preserves this monastic heritage while embracing modern craft.
Geography & Terroir
Situated across fifteen municipalities around Bagnoli di Sopra, the DOC enjoys:
- Soils: Alluvial clay, limestone, and marl
- Climate: Warm continental, softened by Adriatic breezes
- Topography: Fertile plains with gentle slopes
- Key Effect: Wide day-night temperature swings preserve freshness and aromatics
This combination yields wines of intensity, balance, and longevity.
Grape Varieties
White Grapes
- Chardonnay
- Friulano (Tai)
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Marzemina Bianca
- White Raboso (minor)
Red Grapes
- Merlot
- Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Carmenère
- Indigenous gems: Cavrara, Corbina, Refosco, Turchetta, Raboso (Friularo)
Wine Styles & DOC Regulations
Bianco
- Blend: ≥30% Chardonnay, ≥20% Friulano/Sauvignon, ≥10% white Raboso
- Style: Crisp, floral, citrus-driven with minerality
Rosato
- Blend: ≥50% Raboso, ≤40% Merlot, ≤10% others
- Style: Delicate salmon hues, red fruit, fresh acidity
Rosso
- Blend: 15–60% Merlot, ≥25% Cabernets/Carmenère, ≤15% Raboso
- Style: Deep ruby, red cherry, plum, spice, velvety structure
Friularo di Bagnoli DOCG
Elevated in 2011, Friularo wines must be ≥90% Raboso (Friularo). Styles include:
- Classico: Structured, tannic, age-worthy
- Riserva: Extended aging, complex notes of leather, tobacco
- Vendemmia Tardiva: Harvest after Nov 11 (St. Martin’s Day), lush and concentrated
- Passito: Dried grapes, yielding sweet, decadent wines with cocoa and honey tones
Key Facts at a Glance
- Region: Veneto (Padua province)
- DOC Established: 1995
- DOCG Friularo Established: 2011
- Styles: White, Rosé, Red, Sparkling, Late Harvest, Passito
- Special Designation: Classico for wines from Bagnoli di Sopra commune
Tasting Notes
- Bianco: Peach, pear, citrus, floral tones, crisp minerality
- Rosato: Strawberry, raspberry, subtle spice, refreshing finish
- Rosso: Dark fruit, violet, pepper, structured tannins
- Friularo DOCG: Black cherry, tobacco, cocoa, cinnamon, with great aging potential
Serving & Pairing
- Bianco: Perfect as an aperitivo, or with seafood, risotto, and young cheeses
- Rosato: Ideal with antipasti, grilled vegetables, charcuterie
- Rosso & Friularo: Pair with roasted meats, game, hearty ragù, and aged cheeses
- Vendemmia Tardiva & Passito: Excellent with pastries, chocolate, or blue cheese
Where to Buy & Pricing
Bagnoli wines are boutique in scale (~5,500 cases annually). They can be sourced via:
- Specialist importers in the US, UK, and Northern Europe
- Online wine merchants (Wine-Searcher, Vino.com, Eataly)
- Expect pricing from €12–20 for DOC wines and €25–50+ for Friularo DOCG selections.
FAQ on Bagnoli DOC
Q: What does “Classico” mean in Bagnoli DOC?
A: It designates wines from the historic core in Bagnoli di Sopra commune.
Q: Is Friularo the same as Raboso?
A: Yes, Friularo is a local biotype of Raboso, known for late ripening and firm tannins.
Q: What makes Friularo di Bagnoli DOCG special?
A: Its strict rules, long aging, and November harvest create wines of remarkable depth and longevity.
Fun Facts & Cultural Notes
- In 1788, poet Ludovico Pastò praised Friularo as “the most precious wine.”
- Friularo’s resilience earned it fame as a merchant’s travel wine across Europe.
- Ancient Benedictine cellars in Bagnoli di Sopra still function today—designated national monuments.
CTA for Audience Engagement
✨ Have you ever tried a Friularo di Bagnoli DOCG?
Share your tasting experience with us in the comments, or tag us on Instagram with your favorite Veneto wine moment using #DrinkItalian.
