April 23rd - This Date in Wine History

/
Geoffrey_Chaucer_(17th_century).jpg

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.

  • Geoffrey Chaucer was granted a galloon of wine per day for the rest of his life in 1374 by Edward III.  Chaucer lived until 1400.
  • “Good wine is a good familiar creature if it be well used.” from Othello by William Shakespeare who died in 1616.
  • The Barbaresco DOCG designation was established in 1966.  These wines are from Italy's Piedmont region and are made of Nebbiolo grapes.
  • Vinalia Urbana, a Roman festival celebrated the blessing of new wine and asking the gods for a good harvest.  Offerings were made to Jupiter who blessed the sacred wines used for offerings and Venus who blessed the profane or common wine that was for everyday use. 
  • The French have a saying, « Georget, Marquet, Vitalet et Croiset, s'ils sont beaux, font du bon vin. » or “If it is nice on the days of St. Georget, Marquet, Vitalet and Croiset good wine will be made.”