Meet the producer: Tomisa Azienda Agricola

Filippo Manaresi
17 minutes ago
2 min read

Today I'm visiting the last Colli Bolognesi winery east of the city. We're just a stone's throw from the Romagna DOC, though still firmly in Emilia.

I'm greeted by the very young Isotta, who, with her two brothers, is taking over the reins from her parents, founders of Azienda Agricola Tomisa.

Despite her young age, Isotta has already accumulated considerable experience. First, through her studies, which began with a degree from the University of Gastronomic Sciences of Pollenzo and a Master of Science in viticulture and oenology from the Institut Agro di Montpellier, then through direct field experience in Piedmont, Burgundy, and Champagne.

I am welcomed into the newly inaugurated, bright building, which will serve as a reception area for visits and tastings on the ground floor, while the basement level houses the production and warehouse areas.

Tomisa was founded in 1997, working the fields surrounding the family's house in Castel De’ Britti, a little fraction of San Lazzaro di Savena, on the hills south-east of Bologna.

The Company was baptised TOMISA after merging Tommaso and Isotta's names (the first two siblings). To the third sibling, Giulio, who hadn't been born yet, two wines were eventually dedicated.

Tomisa cultivates 15 hectares of Grechetto Gentile (Pignoletto), Chardonnay, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. The wines have been certified organic since 2003.

Isotta, along with her mom, who eventually joined us, guided me through a tasting of her wine range, which the Company decided to label as IGT Emilia (PGI), out of the Colli Bolognesi DOC.

Lieto Grechetto Gentile Emilia IGT spumante Bio: 100% Grechetto Gentile (Pignoletto). A fine, brilliant perlage that lends volume and persistence to the palate. A soft, fruity, and fresh taste, with an excellent balance.
Giacinto Grechetto Gentile Emilia IGT: 100% Grechetto Gentile (Pignoletto). Made from the most widespread grape variety in the Bologna hills, Giacinto captures all the sun that warms these lands in summer. Its warm, intense yellow colour immediately evokes summer, and its aromas evoke summer memories with notes of white peach, sunflower, and occasional citrus. On the palate, it reveals all its power, a product of these clay soils and the passion that gives birth to this nectar.
Giulietto Rosato Emilia IGT: 100% Barbera. A fun, fresh, and fragrant wine with a cheerful colour. Its citrus and passion fruit aromas make it perfect for summer days, where its lively freshness is a wonderful refreshment. It pairs well with simple dishes, but can also stand up to and complement more elaborate dishes.
Unico spumante Rosato Emilia IGT: From an original blend of Barbera, Chardonnay and Grechetto Gentile, this pale garnet traditional method sparkling rosé surprises with complexity, minerality and tertiary aromas. The palate is full and balanced, very dry, with a long finish. Three years on the lees before degorgement and a very low dosage (1,5 g/l). A gastronomic wine to enjoy with traditional dishes, such as tagliatelle alla bolognese or bollito misto.