Raeticum

The first author to report on a wine of this name was Cato the Elder (234-149 BC), who ranked it right after Falernian in terms of quality. Other ancient authors who spoke in praise of the wine were Strabo (63 BC-28 AD), Tacitus (55-120). Virgil (70-19 BC), Columella (+70) and Pliny the Elder (23-79). According to a contemporary statement, the famous ancient wine (Vinum raeticum) was found on the tables of the rich. It is also said to have been a favourite wine of Emperor Augustus (63 BC-14 AD). It was made from a grape variety known as Uva Raetica (Uva Raetica, Uva Rhetica, Uva Rheticae, Vites Rhaeticas and also Uva Scripula). According to Pliny, this vine was allegedly brought to this area from Marseilles by the Phocians, a tribe originating from central Greece. The name derives either from the Roman province of Raetia or from the municipality of Raetia near Verona in Veneto. The province of Raetia covered a large area with parts in northern Italy, Tyrol-Austria, Switzerland and southern Germany.

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Raeticum

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