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Emilia-Romagna
The duality of Emilia-Romagna is evident even in its history. Emilia is named for the road that connected
Rome with Northern Italy (Via Emilius) and Romagna is named after Romània (the name of the Eastern
Roman Empire after the fall of Rome). It was in this area that one of Europe’s oldest universities
was founded, the University of Bologna. Politically, the region’s history is one of instability as it was
controlled by varying political entities until it finaly became part of the Modern Italian Republic.
These two areas today are the embodiment of old vs. new. Emilia is home to modern industries like
car production (Ferrari, Lamborghini, Maserati, Ducati, etc.). Romagna, on the other hand, is home
older crafts, like clothes and wine. Each region makes wine; however, they make very different wines.
Emilia is home to Lambrusco production where Romagna is more famous for Albana di Romagna and
Sangiovese di Romagna.
Winemaking has long been associated with Emilia-Romagna, and, as a result, Italy’s first DOCG for
white wine was actually in Emilia-Romagna. It was called Albana di Romagna and it is still respected
today as an easy-to-drink white that can be paired with local seafood dishes. Sangiovese also found
a home here, and many of Italy’s taverns serve the inexpensive, yet flavorful Sangiovese di Romagna
as a pleasing quaffing wine.
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WINES OF CENTRAL ITALY