Sorry Emilia – Kathleen Willcox speaks to the experts and winemakers indicating that Romagna is ready to go solo. Peanut butter, jelly. Tom, Jerry. Emilia, Romagna. There are certain things, people and places that are so closely associated with each other it is difficult to separate one from the other and understand them as individuals with their own identities, characters and flavors. And in some ways, their partnerships make sense. The richness and salty heft of peanut butter is perfectly partnered with sweet and silly jelly. Meanwhile Tom without Jerry? Just stop. Emilia-Romagna is one of the most beloved cultural capitals in the world. It is home to the oldest university in the world (University of Bologna), stunning Romanesque and Renaissance cities, 11 UNESCO heritage sites, ridiculously cool cars (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati and Ducati are headquartered there) and some of the world’s best food (Parmigiano Reggiano, Modena balsamic vinegar, tagliatelle and tortellini were all created here). So why would Romagna want to break up with Emilia? For winemakers, the relationship is complicated. Most people who associate any wine with the region think of cheap, fun, fizzy Lambrusco. But in Romagna, a combination of serious investments in viticulture and climate change has created the opportunity to make premium Sangiovese that is distinct from other Sangiovese producers in northern Italy. Now, winemakers in Romagna are trying to assert their independence from both Emilia and those other much more famous regions through the Rocche di Romagna collective brand. The Romagna DOC was founded
This Article was originally published on The Drink Business - Wine
