Rome: the story on HearLore

Rome

Romé is a red wine grape that has remained largely invisible to the international wine world, thriving quietly in the shadow of more famous varieties. This obscure variety is cultivated primarily within the province of Málaga in the region of Andalusia, Spain, with smaller plantings extending into the Sierra de la Contraviesa in the neighboring province of Granada. The berries of the Romé vine are distinctively large and elongated, setting them apart from the rounder shapes common to many other red wine grapes. Despite its unique physical characteristics, the grape has never achieved global recognition, surviving instead as a local treasure cherished by a small community of winemakers who understand its potential. The name itself varies across the region, sometimes appearing as Romé blanca or Romer, reflecting the fluid nature of local dialects and the grape's deep integration into the cultural fabric of southern Spain. Its existence in the Vitis International Variety Catalogue confirms its status as a distinct cultivar, yet it remains a story waiting to be told to the wider world.

Andalusian Roots

The history of Romé is inextricably linked to the rugged terrain of Andalusia, where the climate and soil conditions have shaped its development over centuries. The province of Málaga provides a warm, Mediterranean environment that allows the grape to ripen fully, producing wines with a specific character that reflects the terroir. In the Sierra de la Contraviesa, the vine finds a second home, where the higher altitudes and cooler breezes offer a different growing experience compared to the coastal plains of Málaga. This dual presence in two distinct geographical areas suggests that the grape has adapted to various microclimates, a trait that has allowed it to survive periods of agricultural change and economic hardship. Local winemakers have passed down knowledge of how to cultivate Romé through generations, relying on traditional methods that prioritize the health of the vine over high yields. The grape's resilience in these challenging environments speaks to its hardiness, making it a symbol of the region's agricultural heritage. While many other varieties have been imported or replaced by more commercially viable options, Romé has persisted, a testament to the dedication of those who refuse to let it fade into obscurity.

A Name in Flux

The identity of this grape has been a source of confusion and variation, with multiple names used to describe the same variety across different parts of the region. In some areas, it is known simply as Romé, while in others, it is referred to as Romé blanca or Romer, highlighting the fluidity of local naming conventions. These variations are not merely linguistic quirks but reflect the grape's integration into the daily lives of the people who grow and drink it. The use of the term blanca, meaning white, in Romé blanca is particularly intriguing given that the grape produces red wine, suggesting a historical misunderstanding or a specific stylistic choice that has been preserved over time. The name Romer, on the other hand, may be a derivative of the local dialect, further complicating efforts to standardize its identity. Despite these naming inconsistencies, the grape's physical characteristics remain consistent, with its large and elongated berries serving as a reliable identifier for those who know what to look for. The persistence of these different names underscores the importance of local knowledge and the resistance to external standardization that has characterized the region's viticultural history.

Common questions

What is Romé grape variety?

Romé is a red wine grape that has remained largely invisible to the international wine world. It is cultivated primarily within the province of Málaga in the region of Andalusia, Spain, with smaller plantings extending into the Sierra de la Contraviesa in the neighboring province of Granada. The berries of the Romé vine are distinctively large and elongated, setting them apart from the rounder shapes common to many other red wine grapes.

Where is Romé grape grown in Spain?

Romé is cultivated primarily within the province of Málaga in the region of Andalusia, Spain. Smaller plantings extend into the Sierra de la Contraviesa in the neighboring province of Granada. The province of Málaga provides a warm, Mediterranean environment that allows the grape to ripen fully, while the Sierra de la Contraviesa offers higher altitudes and cooler breezes.

Why is Romé grape also called Romé blanca?

Romé is sometimes referred to as Romé blanca or Romer, reflecting the fluid nature of local dialects and the grape's deep integration into the cultural fabric of southern Spain. The use of the term blanca, meaning white, in Romé blanca is particularly intriguing given that the grape produces red wine, suggesting a historical misunderstanding or a specific stylistic choice that has been preserved over time.

How do winemakers cultivate Romé grape?

Local winemakers have passed down knowledge of how to cultivate Romé through generations, relying on traditional methods that prioritize the health of the vine over high yields. The large and elongated berries require careful handling during harvest to avoid damage, as their size makes them more susceptible to bruising and rot. Winemakers who specialize in Romé often work with small batches, focusing on quality over quantity.

Is Romé grape recognized internationally?

Romé has never achieved global recognition and remains largely invisible to the international wine world. Its existence in the Vitis International Variety Catalogue confirms its status as a distinct cultivar, yet it remains a story waiting to be told to the wider world. Despite the lack of international recognition, these winemakers continue to experiment with blending Romé with other varieties, seeking to create new expressions that honor tradition while embracing innovation.