Hispania Ancient Rome and wine

roman amphorae recovered catalonia.

rome s defeat of carthage in punic wars brought southern , coastal territories of spain under control, complete conquest of iberian peninsula remained unaccomplished until reign of caesar augustus. roman colonization led development of tarraconensis in northern regions of spain (including modern winemaking regions of catalonia, rioja, ribera del duero, , galicia) , hispania baetica (which includes modern andalusia) montilla-moriles winemaking region of cordoba , sherry winemaking region of cádiz.

while carthaginians , phoenicians first introduce viticulture spain, rome s influential wine technology , development of road networks brought new economic opportunities region, elevating grapes private agricultural crop important component of viable commercial enterprise. spanish wine in bordeaux before region produced own. french historian roger dion has suggested balisca vine (common in spain s northern provinces, particularly rioja) brought rioja plant first roman vineyards of bordeaux.

spanish wines traded in rome. poet martial described highly regarded wine known ceretanum ceret (modern-day jerez de la frontera). wine historian hugh johnson believes wine ancestor of sherry. spanish wines penetrated more extensively italian wines roman empire, amphoras spain discovered in aquitaine, brittany, loire valley, normandy, britain , german frontier. historian strabo noted in work geographica vineyards of baetica famous beauty. roman agricultural writer columella native of cádiz , duly influenced region s viticulture.