The Aleatico
Grape
Aleatico is a red grape variety that produces aromatic sweet wines and is found in several Italian regions, including Tuscany, Apulia, and Lazio. It is sometimes used in blends, but it is most famous for its role in sweet, dessert-style wines such as Aleatico di Puglia DOC and Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG. The wines from this grape are characterized by their intense aromas and flavors of ripe red berries, lychee, roses, and herbs. Aleatico wines are known for their velvety texture and a balance of sweetness and acidity.
Aleatico
Grape History
The Aleatico grape is a lesser-known but fascinating grape variety with a rich history and unique characteristics. This grape is believed to have originated in Italy, specifically in the region of Puglia, where it has been cultivated for centuries. The exact origins of the Aleatico grape remain a bit unclear, but it is thought to possibly be related to the Muscat family of grapes due to its distinct aromatic profile.
Aleatico is known for its intense aromas and flavors, which often include notes of roses, lychee, and ripe red fruits. These characteristics make it a popular choice for sweet wines such as dessert wines and fortified wines. In particular, Aleatico is commonly used in the production of the famous Aleatico di Puglia wine, a sweet red wine that is highly aromatic and luscious on the palate.
The Aleatico grape is primarily grown in Italy, especially in regions like Puglia, Sicily, and Tuscany. However, it can also be found in smaller plantings in other parts of the world, such as Australia and California. The warm climates of these regions are well-suited to the grape's ripening needs and help to develop its characteristic flavors and aromas.
In addition to its use in sweet wines, Aleatico can also be made into rosé or dry red wines, though these styles are less common. The grape's versatility in winemaking is a testament to its quality and potential for producing a wide range of wine styles.
Looking towards the future, the Aleatico grape may continue to gain prominence as consumers seek out unique and distinctive wine varieties. Its intense aromatics and lush flavors make it an attractive option for those looking to explore different wine experiences. As climate change continues to impact traditional wine regions, the adaptability of the Aleatico grape to warmer climates may also play a role in its increasing popularity.
Overall, Aleatico is a grape with a storied past, a vibrant present, and a promising future in the world of winemaking. Its aromatic qualities and versatility in winemaking make it a grape worth keeping an eye on for both wine enthusiasts and producers alike.
Introduction
Hello, my name is Franklin Laurel - Welcome!
I started drinking wine in 1992 when I was in my early twenties and recently married. Like many other young Southern Californians, it started out with White Zinfandel. As we were a couple of young DINKs just beginning life together, and on a budget, our go-to-wine was Sutter Home White Zinfandel, which tasted a lot like wine coolers and probably cost at the time $2.49. If we really were going to splurge, we would step it up and buy Beringer White Zinfandel for $2.99. Those were the days....
After a little time, we decided to get fancy. We stepped up our game and bought some wonderful 2-Buck Chuck from Trader Joe's. The Charles Shaw (Trader Joe's Exclusive Label) wine, also known as 2-Buck-Chuck extended our pallet into Reds for only $1.99 a bottle. Over the years we continued to grow in our understanding of wine (finally ran into some good wine) and we slowly kept buying better and better bottles.
Our first wine club purchase was from Kenwood's Vineyards, in Kenwood, California located in Sonoma Valley, right next to the famous Napa Valley. I began to learn about tobacco leather, and earthiness, and lots of other strange terminology when tasting their signature Zinfandels (of the red variety). So that is how it all began.
Fast forward a couple decades, and we have been members of five different wine clubs, and now have a passion for California's red wines. My favorite by far is Cabernet Sauvignon, while my wife fancies a good Syrah, Malbec, or Merlot - but she also loves the smell of a wine barrel room, which is all about the notes of Cabernet Sauvignon.
As I come across great wine resources and useful information that I find in planning my own wine trips, I will share here for anyone that might stumble across my humble website.
Cheers! - Franklin Laurel