Traditional Winemaking: Historic Wineries

There are many old wineries that are steeped in history, using traditional winemaking techniques. Not only do they have a wealth of fame to their names, some are the world’s largest wine producers. Furthermore, they have been growing and producing your favorite wines for 1000+ years. These are some of the oldest wineries and wine ‘dynasties’ in existence.

The Historic Wineries Utilizing Traditional Winemaking:

Codorniu Winery:

Beautiful fertile soils and a warm climate define Spain. In unison, the conditions proved perfect for winemaking throughout the centuries. Thanks to the numerous wine regions in the country, and a diverse history; Spanish wine has consistently been considered among, if not the best in the world. The Penedes wine region in Spain, is where the first wine house, Codorniu, is located. Here, many of the greatest grapes known to man are produced for renowned Spanish wines. The underlying rock beneath the coastal strip of the vineyards is rich in trace elements that are beneficial to the health of the vines. Vintages from the vineyards of Codorniu winery have been creating unbelievable tasting wines and blends for many generations.

The Codorniu Winery was established in 1551 by Jamie Codorniu. Located nearly 50 kilometers from Barcelona. The architectural masterpiece of the Codorniu, designed by Gaudi-contemporary architect Puig i Cadafalch, was completed in 1915; and is absolutely stunning.

Here, the production of the world famous Cava wines started, when Josep Raventos successfully imitated the French Champagne method of producing sparkling wines in the 1820s. Additionally, Cava, the Catalan version of champagne was born here. As a matter of fact, Codorniu Winery was the first to issue a bottle of the sparkling wine. Today, Codorniu is one of the top three winemakers in the world, with a production of about 5 million cases annually. An amazing winery, utilizing traditional winemaking techniques; Codorniu blends history and new technique.

Events At Codorniu:

Every year, Codorníu receives over 200,000 visitors for wine tours; making it one of the most visited wineries in Spain. Codorníu provides bus services from Barcelona and tour guides in English and other languages daily; except on Sundays and public holidays. The standard Codorniu winery tour includes a short audiovisual documentary of the vineyards and the history of the winery in 3D! Next, a visit to the historical winery follows. Cavernous Cava cellars, expansive vineyards, beautiful gardens and Nouveau-style buildings fill the winery. A guided tour is also led below the mountain side to the Codorniu’s tunnels, which house up to 100 million bottles of wine. While at the winery, ensure you taste the Codorniu Cava Brut. In truth, you will not regret it.

Many of the worlds best wineries use tradition and history to produce the best wines!

Barone Ricasoli Winery

With the history of winemaking for over 4000 years, and a climate perfectly suited for viticulture; Italy is one of the best wine producers in the world. Wine defines Italian culture, with over 1,000 indigenous grape varieties. Subsequently, it is not surprising that wine tours are tremendously popular among locals and tourists especially.

One of the oldest wineries known, Barone Ricasoli Winery is still producing amazing, historically rich wines. Established in 1141! With nearly 900 years of tradition and experience; this is a cannot miss Winery. The Castello di Brolio  houses a beautiful wine chateaux. Located atop an isolated hill close to Gaiole in Chianti, Tuscany, the castle has dominated the southern countryside of Chianti Classico for over ten centuries. Tuscany is arguably one of the most famous grape cultivating and wine production region in Italy. The warm, sun-soaked hills of the region, makes it ideally suitable for the growth and cultivation of amazing grapes. Tuscany’s most famous grape, Sangiovese grows in abundance. In particular, Cultivated in Chianti, Chianti Classico, the location of Barone Ricasoli Winery.

Barone Ricasoli’s History:

The first stones of the Castello di Brolio dates back to the middle ages. In an exchange of lands, dating back to 1141, the castle passed to the Ricasoli family. At this time Florence and Siena were still city states. The castle has survived several wars between Siena and Florence, including Italy’s internal struggles in the mid-1200s, the Black Death in the mid 1300s, the rise of the Medicis until the 1700s and the World War II. Baron Bettino Ricasoli invented the Chianti Formula in 1872, in the castle. Here, he developed the formula after more than 30 years of research. Today, Italy is most noted for its noble red wines, and among them is The Chianti Classico.

Baron Bettino Ricasoli’s work laid down the foundation for traditional winemaking in Italy. One of the most prestigious wines is “Castello di Brolio.”  Chianti’s Classico formula is the basis of Castello Di Brolio, a perfect blend of Sangiovese, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. With 240 acres of vineyards and state-of-the-art winemaking facilities, the winery produces over 3 million bottles of wine yearly and exports its wines all over the world. Traditonal winemaking and modern technology in one.

A wine tour in the Castello di Brolio would not be complete without a visit to the historical monuments that houses the Ricasoli collection; the gardens, the museum, of course the wine cellars and experimental vineyards of the castle. The wine tasting tour at the Ricasoli wine shop is the perfect addition to your italian itinerary now!. Here, connoisseurs and beginners are sure to gain a deeper understanding of the relationship between Italian cuisine and these traditional and historic wines.

Conclusion:

To summarize, Codorniu and Barone Ricasoli wineries hold amazing history. In addition to history, they cherish ancient practices of traditional winemaking passed down to them as winemakers. Furthermore, the winemakers blend this tradition with modern technology. Subsequently allowing perfection to be brewed and bottled. For the purpose of sharing their amazing bounty with the world, they work for us. With this intention, they open their wineries to the public to share winemaking and tasting knowledge.

As a result, they pass on the traditions to the public, rather than hording them. In the hope that the public will appreciate their offerings, they sell rare vintages to those who appreciate them. With this intention, wine lovers the world around can enjoy their products and gain enthusiasm and enjoyment. As a result, the wine market will only increase, allowing them to share with more wine drinkers. To this end, tradition and innovation will never die.