Italian wine producers collaborate with specialized personnel for import-export procedures. The specialized personnel manage deposits, work with local distributors, and follow import-export practices. Moreover, they are familiar with the various Italian wines, including Chardonnay and Merlot. But how does the wine industry really work? Let’s explore the topic in detail. We’ll also examine the history of wine production in Italy and the relationship between wine and Italian unification.
Oenotechnic stations
The oenotechnic stations were a part of the process of unification of Wine and Italy, and the establishment of these institutions was a milestone in the development of Italian wine. In the mid-19th century, Italy began to develop its exports, particularly in the U.S., where Rossati established a station in 1895. He also served as Deputy of the Italian Government for Italian Wines in London, where his mandate was to promote Italian wine in England.
Disciplinare Di Produzione
The Italian wine industry was once dominated by one major regional player. But today, Italian wine production is consolidated under several denominations. First there was the DOCG, a highly regulated quality wine produced within a specific area. The DOCG is the largest denomination and is recognized worldwide. But there are a variety of other Italian wines with the same quality standards. Read on to find out more about Italian wine after Italy’s unification and how it is created and regulated.
Chardonnay
There is a long history of confusion surrounding the Chardonnay grapevine in Italy. The grape was once mistaken for Pinot Bianco until 1978, when it was recognized as a separate varietal. The process was called ampelography, a Greek term meaning “study of the vineyards.”
Merlot
Despite being a grape native to France, the Merlot grape is also grown in Italy. In the region of Tuscany, it is part of the blend known as “Super-Tuscan.” The grape’s low acidity helps balance the high acidity of many Italian grapes, and its use in blends has increased dramatically. Italian Merlot is often light in color, with some herbal notes. The grape was first introduced to the region around Venice in the mid-18th century, and it first gained worldwide popularity in the 1990s.
Barolo
In the nineteenth century, the Barolo region was home to the illegitimate son of the first emperor of Italy, Vittorio Emmanuele II. He had traveled to France often and was familiar with French culture. At only twenty years of age, he became Mayor of Grinzane, which is part of the Barolo production area today. Although he was a modest man, his accomplishments and political connections earned him the nickname “king of wines.”
Etna
The relationship between Etna and wine has been long standing. This island is one of Italy’s oldest appellations, and the wine industry in Etna dates back to the late Bronze Age. Several centuries ago, the island was a strategic prize that was occupied by many cultures, resulting in a unique history, language, and architecture. Today, wine production on the island is centered around the vineyards of Mt. Etna, which is also home to the Benanti Winery.
Nebbiolo
The relationship between Nebbiolo wine and Italian unification is a fascinating one. The grape is incredibly old, having been first referred to in the 13th century. Nebbiolo’s name is derived from “neve”, which mean fog in Italian, and probably refers to the white powdery bloom that naturally occurs on the grape. The best Nebbiolo vineyards are above the fog of a valley.
Prosecco
The issue of prosecco and Italian unification has been a topic of intense debate since the 1980s. The popularity of the sparkling wine has led many Italians to support its nationalization. This was particularly true of the Prosecco region of the Veneto region, which is renowned for its luscious bubbly. However, a recent ruling by the European Commission has sparked controversy. While the ruling is being appealed, it is feared that the move will lead to an explosion of imported products with “Italian-sounding” labels.
