Emilia Romagna is famous for its delicious food. Parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, Parma ham, bologna sausage, etc. It is full of foods that are loved by people all over the world. Wine is essential to delicious Italian food! This time, we will be introducing the wines of Emilia Romagna.
About Emilia Romagna
Bologna is the capital of Emilia-Romagna, a region located in the north of Italy. There are also Renaissance cities such as Modena, Parma, and Ferrara, which are the cultural and tourist centers of Europe. It is also the center of the automobile industry, with companies such as Ferrari and Lamborghini headquartered there.
History of the Emilia and Romagna districts
The name Emilia-Romagna is a combination of the Emilia region, which covers the western and central regions of the state, and the Romagna region, which covers the southeastern part of the state.
Emilia and Romagna have had different histories and have different food cultures. Wine is made to match the local cuisine of the area, so different food cultures mean different wine characteristics.
Emilia was conquered by Germanic peoples, and butter and pork were commonly eaten there. It has a characteristic that refreshes the sweetness and greasiness that remains in your mouth. Red Sparkling Lambrusco is a typical label.
On the other hand, Romagna is steeped in Roman culture. Roman meals were prepared with lots of olive oil. Olive oil leaves a feeling of oil in your mouth rather than fat. For this reason, wines in Romagna have been created to restore the balance of flavors in the mouth.
This history also makes you realize the importance of pairing food and wine.
Recommended wines from Emilia Romagna
Now that you know the history, I would like to introduce some recommended wines made in the Emilia-Romagna region.
Emilia district
Lambrusco, the famous sparkling red wine
Lambrusco is the most famous wine in Emilia Romagna. A naturally sparkling red wine made from a grape called Lambrusco. Flavors vary from sweet to dry, so check the label on the bottle.
[Slightly dry]
Secco
Semi Secco, Abbocato
[Slightly sweet]
Amabile
[Sweet]
Dolce
For a holiday lunch, enjoy a chilled, sweet Lambrusco with a prosciutto sandwich, cheese, and salami. Lambrusco, which has a sweet taste, is recommended to be thoroughly chilled before drinking. It's low in alcohol, so it's perfect for lunch.
A dry Lambrusco with a strong richness and flavor, go well with pork dishes. Pairs well with stewed pork and buttery lasagna.
Romagna district
Italy's first white wine DOCG "Romagna Albana"
Albana DOCG is a white wine produced in the Romagna region. This is Italy's first white wine to receive DOCG. Made with 100% Albana grapes. Light body with good acidity and lingering notes of peach and almond.
Flavors range from dry to sweet, and like Lambrusco, the spiciness is listed on the label.
[Dry] Secco…Alcohol content 11.5% or more
[Medium sweet] Amabile…12% or more alcohol content
[Sweet] Dolce…12% or more alcohol content
Passito type dried in the shade…Alcohol content 15.5% or more
Sweet Passito Riserva…15.5% or more alcohol content
There is a lot of history and legends associated with the Romagna region. Romagna Albana is also one of the oldest wines that has been produced since ancient times.
Romagna Albana Secco from Fattoria Paradiso, which has its own vineyards in the rich Bertinoro hills, where wine has been produced since ancient Roman times. It is a dry ``secco'' with a beautiful shine and a strong richness.
Sangiovese is a masterpiece with a balance of tannins and good acidity.
Sangiovese is highly valued for its high acidity, firm tannins, and good balance. The fresh fruitiness of dark cherries and black fruits is also one of its charms.
Sangiovese is also famous in Tuscany. It seems that it is still unclear which is the origin.
According to the people of Romagna, Sangiovese originated in the Santa Arcangelo area of Romagna. According to legend, Sangiovese was grown by monks on Mount Jobe. In 1976, a commemorative stone was placed on top of Mount Jobe to honor its origins.
However, the most likely theory is that Sangiovese originated in Tuscany and arrived in Romagna during the expansion of Florence between the 15th and 16th centuries.
Regardless of its origin, the appeal of the Sangiovese grape is undeniable.
This bottle also features a deep ruby color with hints of purple, and aromas of ripe fruit and violets. A slightly dry, medium-bodied wine with a wonderful balance of smooth tannins and good acidity.
Pignoletto, a slightly sparkling wine perfect for aperitivo
Pignoletto is Italy's most popular sparkling wine, second only to Prosecco. It is made from Pignoletto grapes.
Most Pignolets are Frizzante, not Spumante. The bubbles are soft and mellow. The scent is a gentle scent of jasmine flowers and delicate peach, less dry than Prosecco. It has citrus and green apple flavors.
The small village named Pignoletto is surrounded by rolling hills, with a DOC and a small DOCG in the center.
Cevico's Colli Romagnoli Trebbiano Rubicone has a bright straw color with a scent reminiscent of jasmine, and is refreshing and dry, yet has a slight effervescence that allows you to feel the natural sweetness of the grapes.
A slightly sparkling wine perfect for an aperitif (Aperitivo in Italy), we recommend enjoying it with a pinch of Parmesan cheese before dinner.
Enjoy the marriage of food and wine in Emilia-Romagna
Emilia Romagna is known as a gourmet destination in Italy.
Enjoy an aperitivo while enjoying parmesan cheese and pignoletto. Pair a rich bolognese or lasagna with Lambrusco. Other items include Parma ham and balsamic vinegar. Emilia-Romagna wine is the perfect accompaniment to Italy's representative Emilia-Romagna cuisine.
One of the attractions is that there are many wines that can be enjoyed lightly and casually. We also recommend getting together with your family for lunch on holidays like the cheerful Italians!
