 |
A love of the land and the fruits it offers
to those who are closely in tune with it has always been the connective
tissue of the people of the Emilia region. The maximum expression
of this sentiment is well represented by the ancient art of grapevine
cultivation and wine-making which has come down to us from the most
remote times.
The wines with the typical geographical indication (IGT) "Emilia,"
in the various types indicated in the production regulations, comprise
a production which, though having ancient origins, is updated daily
to offer consumers good table wines to enjoy with the widest variety
of foods.
Annual production of these wines is considerable, reaching about
six hundred thousand hectolitres, and their market, in addition
to the Italian one, is markedly international.
The production zone of the wines with typical geographical indication
"Emilia" or "dell'Emilia" comprises the provinces
of Ferrara, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, and Reggio Emilia, and that
of Bologna limited to the territory to the left of the Sillaro River.
This denomination may be used for all the wines obtained from the
grape varieties recommended or authorised for the single provinces.
However, there is a group of 18 varieties typical of these zones
which, if vinified according to the regulations, give rise to the
same number of wines showing the name of the grape variety on the
label. This is the most important and qualified group, as it includes
some of the most famous Emilian wines such as Lambrusco dell'Emilia,
the sparkling red wine par excellence which is widely enjoyed in
the zone of origin as well as abroad, appreciated for its freshness
and pleasantness. But Emilia is not just the land of sparkling wines.
We can also find still reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot,
Pinot Nero, Sangiovese and Lancellotta, the latter in particular,
typical of the province of Reggio Emilia, being well known and appreciated
for providing wines rich in colour and fruity.
