June 21st - This Date in Wine History

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Crest of the town of Gradoli

Crest of the town of Gradoli

Wine has a long established history of being our drink of choice for celebrating, entertaining, and savoring life; but it didn't start out that way. From the invention of the barrel to the designation of the separate viticultural areas, wine has a long and sorted history.  In our daily feature This Date In Wine History, we share an event of critical importance in wine history. 

The Aleatico di Gradoli DOC was created in 1972.  The wine made from the Aleatico grape has been made in this region since the Etruscans.  The vines are thought to  have sprung from a staff left in the area by a demon that was expelled from a local cave by a lion.  In gratitude for this act, the lion and grape vine have appeared on the symbols for the town ever since.