Map of the Principal Wine Districts of Europe by James Denman 1875 old

CAPTION PRINTED BELOW PICTURE: 'Map of the Principal Wine Districts of Europe'

This fascinating map highlights in pink the most significant internationally recognised wine-producing regions of Europe in the late 19th century. Many of these areas are still recognized today for their wine quality, though some regions that are celebrated today are absent from the map, while other areas shown on the map have diminished in prominence. In Italy, the regions recognised as producing quality wines are far more extensive today than shown on this map; notable omissions include Valpolicella and Tuscany. Internationally recognised Spanish and Portuguese wine regions were then largely limited to coastal areas, omitting regions celebrated today such as Rioja, Ribera del Duero, and Rías Baixas. The Loire Valley and Alsace, whose international reputations for their wines grew during the 20th century, are also missing. Some regions that were prominent in the 19th century have since declined in extent or reputation, including wine-producing areas in Hungary, Greece, and Cyprus. The Hungarian wine region is prominent on the map, however the quality and reputation of Tokaji production, once known as the "Wine of Kings", suffered during the 20th century under Communism. Cypriot Commandaria wine was once celebrated, however during the 20th century production shifted towards inexpensive table wine. Interestingly, Santorini—the source of many of Greece's best wines today—is one of the few Greek regions not highlighted on this map as wine producing. The map also marks the northern limits of wine and olive production. Due to climate change, the northern boundary for wine has since shifted further north, with today’s emerging wine regions in southern England lying beyond the limit shown here.

DATE PRINTED: 1875    

IMAGE SIZE: Approx 20.5 x 43.0cm, 8 x 16.75 inches (Large); Please note that this is a folding map.

TYPE: Antique hand coloured engraved map

CONDITION: Good; suitable for framing. Please check the scan for any blemishes prior to making your purchase. Please contact us if you would like to arrange to view this map. Virtually all antiquarian maps and prints are subject to some normal aging due to use and time which is not obtrusive unless otherwise stated. We offer a no questions asked return policy.

AUTHENTICITY: This is an authentic historic print, published at the date stated above. It is not a modern copy.

VERSO: There is nothing printed on the reverse side, which is plain

FOLDING: This is a folding print.

ARTIST/CARTOGRAPHER/ENGRAVER: James Denman

PROVENANCE: "The Vine and its Fruit, more especially in relation to the production of wine", by James L. Denman, Second edition, revised and enlarged. London: Longmans, Green and Co.