The history of Italian wine dates back longer than any other country in western Europe. Though the native Sicilians produced wine as far back as 4,000 BC, it was not until Greek explorers and traders began to arrive in southern Italy that winemaking was introduced to the mainland. The Greek period of colonization, known today as Magna Graecia, saw Greek art, culture, and politics introduced to the south of Italy, including the founding of cities such as Neapolis (Naples) and Rhegion (Reggio Calabria). What is fascinating about this time period is that, though much of this cultural heritage was destroyed by various invaders, several grape varieties grown during the days of the Greeks live on in southern Italy! This month, we will taste three of these ancient varieties proving that in some pockets of the world, the more things change, the more they stay the same.
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Explorers Club
Explorers Club
March 2024
