The Glera
Grape
The primary grape variety used in the production of Prosecco, originating from the Veneto region of Italy. Glera produces light, refreshing, and aromatic sparkling wines with flavors of green apple, pear, and white peach, with a characteristic floral note.
Glera
Grape History
Glera is a white grape variety that has gained significant recognition and popularity in recent years, particularly for being the primary grape used in producing Prosecco, a sparkling wine from the Veneto region of Italy. The history of the Glera grape dates back many centuries, with some sources suggesting its origins can be traced back to the ancient Roman times. The name "Glera" itself comes from the term "glei," which in the local dialect means clay, highlighting the vine's preference for well-drained clay soils.
Historically, Glera was known as Prosecco, as it was the predominant grape used in the production of the wine of the same name. However, to protect the authenticity and geographical indication of Prosecco, the grape was renamed Glera in 2009. This change ensured that only wines produced in the designated Prosecco region could carry the name.
Glera grapes are typically grown in the Veneto and Friuli regions of northeastern Italy, where the cool climate and hilly terrain provide optimal conditions for their cultivation. The grape is known for its high acidity and delicate floral aromas, making it well-suited for sparkling wine production. In addition to Prosecco, Glera is used in the production of other sparkling wines, as well as in still white wines.
In recent years, the demand for Prosecco and other sparkling wines made from Glera has seen a significant increase, leading to expansions of vineyard plantings in Italy and in other parts of the world. Glera has also gained popularity among winemakers seeking to produce high-quality, affordable sparkling wines that offer a fresh and fruity profile.
Looking ahead, the future of the Glera grape appears promising, with continued interest and growth in the sparkling wine market. As consumer preferences evolve towards lighter, more approachable wines, Glera's characteristics make it well-positioned to meet these demands. Additionally, the success of Prosecco has paved the way for further exploration and experimentation with Glera, potentially leading to new styles and expressions of wines made from this versatile grape variety.
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