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.[1]
Background
Viticulture in Emilia-Romagna dates back to the Etruscans and Romans, who cultivated vines across its fertile plains and rolling hills.[2] 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.[3]
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.[4] 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.[5]
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 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.[6]
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.[7]
See also
References
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.
- ↑ Unwin, Wine and the Vine, Routledge, 1991.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Scienza, Atlante dei vini d’Italia: Emilia-Romagna, Touring Editore, 2011.
- ↑ Consorzio Vini di Romagna, consorziovinidiromagna.it.
- ↑ Robinson (ed.), The Oxford Companion to Wine, Oxford University Press, 2015.
- ↑ Johnson & Robinson, The World Atlas of Wine, 8th ed., Mitchell Beazley, 2019.