View source for Emilia-Romagna

'''Emilia-Romagna''' (/eˈmiːljə roʊˈmɑːnjə/) is a major wine-producing region of northern [[Italy]], extending from the [[Po Valley]] to the Adriatic coast. Known for its diverse geography and dual cultural identity, the region encompasses both Emilia, famed for sparkling [[Lambrusco]], and Romagna, noted for [[Sangiovese]] and [[Albana]] wines.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.</ref>  

== Background ==  
Viticulture in Emilia-Romagna dates back to the [[Etruscans]] and [[Roman Era|Romans]], who cultivated [[vines]] across its fertile plains and rolling hills.<ref>Unwin, ''Wine and the Vine'', Routledge, 1991.</ref> The region occupies a transitional zone between northern and central Italy, with Emilia stretching westward along the Via Emilia and Romagna situated to the east near the Adriatic. This geographical and cultural duality has shaped distinct wine traditions within the region.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  

== Characteristics ==  
The vineyards of Emilia-Romagna range from low-lying plains to hilly [[slopes]], offering varied [[soils]] from fertile alluvial deposits to limestone-rich outcrops in Romagna.<ref>Scienza, ''Atlante dei vini d’Italia: Emilia-Romagna'', Touring Editore, 2011.</ref> The climate combines continental and maritime influences, with hot summers moderated by Adriatic breezes.  

Emilia is primarily associated with Lambrusco, a family of indigenous varieties producing light, sparkling reds in a dry to off-dry style. Romagna, by contrast, is characterised by Sangiovese, yielding structured reds, and Albana, historically significant as the first white grape in Italy to receive [[DOCG]] recognition.<ref>Consorzio Vini di Romagna, consorziovinidiromagna.it.</ref>  

== Use in winemaking ==  
Emilia-Romagna produces a wide range of styles, from effervescent Lambrusco DOCs such as Grasparossa di Castelvetro and Salamino di Santa Croce to the still and [[sparkling wine|sparkling wines]] of Colli Piacentini. Romagna contributes [[Sangiovese di Romagna DOC]], ranging from youthful and fruity to more ageworthy expressions, as well as [[Albana di Romagna DOCG]], crafted in dry, passito, and sweet versions.<ref>Robinson (ed.), ''The Oxford Companion to Wine'', Oxford University Press, 2015.</ref>  

In recent decades, the region has sought to balance its reputation for high-volume production with an emphasis on quality, focusing on [[terroir]] expression and modernised viticultural techniques.<ref>Johnson & Robinson, ''The World Atlas of Wine'', 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.</ref>  

== See also ==  
* [[Lambrusco]]  
* [[Sangiovese]]  
* [[Albana]]  
* [[DOCG]]  
* [[Italy]]  

== References ==  
{{reflist}}  

[[Category:Wine regions of Italy]]  
[[Category:Wine regions]]