Emilia-Romagna, located in northern Italy, is known for its rich culinary traditions and diverse range of local products. One of the region’s specialties is the production of ancient grape varieties, particularly in the province of Reggio Emilia. These unique grape varieties, including Redga, Sgavetta, Termarina, Scarsafoglia, and Spergola, have been cultivated for centuries and are highly valued for their distinct flavors and characteristics.
In Reggio Emilia, you can find these ancient grape varieties in various towns and communes. For example, the Redga grape is grown in the town of Albinea, while Sgavetta can be found in the commune of Quattro Castella. Termarina is cultivated in the town of Viano, and Scarsafoglia is grown in the commune of Bibbiano. Lastly, Spergola is found in the town of Castelnovo ne’ Monti.
If you’re interested in trying these unique grape varieties, you can visit local stores and shops in Emilia-Romagna. Some recommended places to find these wines include Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna in Bologna, Enoteca Fontana in Modena, and Enoteca Regionale di Dozza in Dozza.
To fully appreciate these ancient grape varieties, you can also try some Traditional Recipesss that showcase their flavors. One popular recipe is “Torta degli Addobbi,” a savory pie made with Spergola grapes, pancetta, and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Another delicious option is “Gnocchi al Sgavetta,” a dish of potato dumplings served with a sauce made from Sgavetta grapes, butter, and sage.
It’s worth noting that some of these ancient grape varieties have received the PAT (Traditional Agri-Food Product) recognition, which guarantees their authenticity and traditional production methods. For example, Spergola has been recognized as a PAT product, ensuring that it is cultivated and processed according to specific guidelines. These guidelines include using only traditional grape-growing techniques and maintaining the grape’s original characteristics.
Sources:
– “Antiche varietà di vitigni reggiani” – Regione Emilia-Romagna (https://www.regione.emilia-romagna.it/agricoltura/temi/vitivinicoltura/antichi-vitigni/antiche-variet%C3%A0-di-vitigni-reggiani)
– “Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna” – Enoteca Regionale Emilia Romagna (https://www.enotecaemiliaromagna.it/)
– “Enoteca Fontana” – Enoteca Fontana (https://www.enoteca-fontana.it/)
– “Enoteca Regionale di Dozza” – Enoteca Regionale di Dozza (https://www.enotecaregionaledidozza.it/)