01 November 2022
Enoteca: meaning and history | Castello Banfi Wine Resort
A wine store is not just a wine store: find out on Castello Banfi Wine Resort how it is defined and how to recognize one.
Enoteca: meaning, history and interesting facts
The world of wine is multifaceted and complex: the professional figures that revolve around wine production and distribution are as varied as are the places associated with this product. In this regard, one of the most interesting in addition to the winery, is definitely the enoteca, which is the place where bottles of wine and sparkling wines are stored and displayed for sale or consumption on site during tasting events.
In this in-depth review, we will look at some interesting facts related to the enoteca, such as why it is called so, what is sold there or what is the title of people who work there.
Etymology of enoteca
To answer the first question, namely what does enoteca mean and why is it called enoteca, it is necessary to start with the origin of the word. The etymology of "enoteca" is from the combination of two words of Greek origin: "eno" from the Greek oinos ("wine") and "theca" from the Greek theke ("closet" or "storage room"). The word "enoteca" therefore means "wine closet or storage room."
However, although the etymology of "enoteca" refers only to storage, in the Italian language it also means the place where bottles are displayed for sale and for tasting.
What is sold in an enoteca?
As anticipated, enotecas often organize tastings of the wines they sell paired with local products, thus contributing to the now popular food and wine tourism. At wine shops wine connoisseurs have the opportunity to:
- discover interesting facts about the production methods
- receive information on selected grape varieties and grapes
- taste different types of wine, often paired with traditional local products
- purchase products.
The best wine bars are often run by or in partnership with wineries. For example, this is the case of Enoteca Banfi in Montalcino where the wines produced at our wineries are stored, displayed and sold. Not only wines and sparkling wines, but also condiments, olive oil, and local foods and crafts, including local pecorino cheese and Tuscan prosciutto, which can also be tasted at the wine bar.
In addition to tastings, visiting the Banfi Enoteca is a true immersion in the world of wine and wine-making traditions of the past. The rustic and elegant setting, with fine wood furniture and original barrels, reminds of the Tuscan workshops of yesteryear. The wine shop itself is located close to the vaults of the amazing Banfi Castle of Poggio alle Mura, a beautifully preserved medieval fortress set like a jewel in the small village of Poggio alle Mura.
When did the first wine bars open?
The oldest wine bars date back to the 15th century and some are even mentioned in the works of Torquato Tasso and Ludovico Ariosto. Even then they were places of welcome and hospitality, where the pleasure of good wine was mixed with that of food.
What do you call people who work in a wine bar?
Among the various professionals working in the wine industry, it is not easy to identify specifically who is or what is the name of those working in a wine bar. This happens because a wine bar is a complex system, embracing the experience of storing, selling and tasting wine.
In most cases, a sommelier is present at a wine bar to select the most suitable wines for tasting based on the wine quality and characteristics and is ready to provide advice and suggestions to consumers.