ecent archaeological excavations have provided evidence that the cultivation of the vine began somewhat late in Emilia-Romagna. The first agricultural settlements in the region have been dated to about 6000 BC. But it does not appear that vines were cultivated any earlier than 1700 BC.A thousand years later, the Etruscans succeeded in improving the vines and the quality of the wines, as is indicated by the numerous articles linked with the consumption of wine that have been found in tombs of the period.
When the Romans constructed the Via Aemilia in 187 BC, they were highly impressed by the expanses of well-tended vineyards and the quality of the production.
The historical wine of the area, the Bianco di Scandiano, has been known and appreciated since the 14th century. It was poured out copiously at the banquets held in the atractive fortress of the Boiardi, where the noble Matteo Maria Boiardo, Count of Scandiano, passed his life in literary pursuits. It was there that he composed the epic poem "Orlando Innamorato."
The fine poet Giosué Carducci was also quite familiar with the Bianco di Scandiano and wrote a sonnet about the wine.
