The Contribution of the Sangiovese Wine and the Napa Valley to the Wine Industry Essay
Sangiovese wine and the Napa Valley are some of the most important contributing factors to the wine industry today. Each has an incredible, influential history that has helped it become so popular and well-known. The Sangiovese variety is known for its savory taste, acidity, and earthy, rustic flavors such as herbs and tomatoes. It can even have a cherry or red plum flavor. (Wine Folly) Sangiovese grapes are used to make wines such as Brunello di Montalcino and Chainte Classico. (The Grape) Napa Valley is known for its 815 different wine varieties and its contribution to the American economy. (Facts) The valley is especially recognized for its ability to produce wines such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. (Napa Vintners) Each represent their own staple in the wine economy today. The history of Italian winemaking is crucial to the importance and upbringing of the Sangiovese variety. Italys wine economy has evolved as the wine market has matured. A culture of mass production has given way to a culture of artisanship and entrepreneurship. Going back to ancient history, the Etruscans were the first to train wild vines up trees in Italy. The Greeks then brought seeds across the Adriatic Sea and helped create the Italian viticulture. Both are accredited with the start of Italian winemaking. Fast forward to 1855, when Italy wasnt a unified country. Winemaking was defined by tenuta, or when a farm estate (often controlled by a noble family) was taken care of by sharecroppers. Sharecroppers were peasants that worked the fields of the tenutas to produce grapes and wine for their landlords. In exchange, the sharecroppers were allowed to live on the tenutas and even keep some of the crops for themselves. This is better known as the mezzadria system. The mezzadria system lasted up until the 1950s. After WWII, Italy turned from a monarchy to a republic. The new government then tried to redistribute land to the peasant population. As a result,...
Comments
Post a Comment