Emilia IGT (or dell'Emilia IGT when prefixed by the name of a grape variety) is a key IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) title of the Emilia-Romagna region in central Italy.
Emilia-Romagna is formed from two historical areas, Emilia and Romagna. As implied by its name, IGT Emilia covers just Emilia – specifically the provinces of Ferrara, Modena, Parma, Piacenza, Reggio Emilia and "la parte della provincia di Bologna situata alla sinistra del fiume Sillaro" (the portion of Bologna situated on the left side of the Sillaro River). Romagna is covered by the Rubicone IGT and also by the province-specific Ravenna IGT and Forli IGT.
The name 'Emilia' derives from the via Æmilia (named after Roman consul Marcus Aemilius Lepidus), the ancient road that connected Rome with northern Italy. The region that now bears the name has traditionally been associated with wines of quantity rather than quality, typified by the large volumes of fruity, sparkling red Lambrusco produced there each vintage.
Unsurprisingly, given the quantity of Lambrusco wine made in the area, sparkling wines in all three colors (red, white and rosé) are covered by the Emilia IGT title, as are all forms, mutations and variants of the Lambrusco grape variety.
But it is the extensive list of varietal wines permitted under the IGT laws that is perhaps of most interest. It tells of winemakers keen to break the bonds of tradition and to try their luck on the international varietal-focused market. No fewer than 25 grape varieties are specifically cited in the IGT legal documents – everything from local specialties Ancellotta and Montuni to international favorites Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. Hedging their bets somewhat, the region's winemakers have even succeeded in getting 'Cabernet' (any blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc) recognized as a varietal wine.
Like most IGTs, this title was introduced officially in 1995, three years after the IGT concept was first officially recognized by law. It has been keenly taken up by wine producers all over Emilia and has provided an economically viable way for this region to develop beyond its traditional portfolio of wine styles.
