Castello di Izola

Rubicone IGT

Crossing the Rubicon was a momentous event for Julius Caesar, although it is difficult to feel the significance today while standing on the banks of this sleepy rural river. The Rubicone includes wines produced in the eastern part of the Emilia-Romagna region, from the hills of Bologna to the Adriatic coast. Sangiovese reigns here, thriving in the rocky Apennine foothills and fertile plains. Modern examples add Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, while more traditional wines blend in the local Pignoletto and Ancellotta varieties. Whites are often made from Trebbiano, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. Overall, Rubicone wines are well balanced and deliciously quaffable—this is not surprising for a region like Emilia-Romagna, where food and wine are inseparable. The IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) classification system was created to provide more freedom and ease for winemaking within Italy. Wines under the IGT classification are regulated on the region of origin—where within the country grapes are grown—instead of varietals or wine styles as DOC and DOCG laws focus on.