The Grecanico
Grape
Also known as Garganega in Italy, Grecanico is a white grape variety used primarily in Sicily. It contributes to the production of wines that are fresh and aromatic, with flavors of citrus, peach, and almond, showcasing good acidity and mineral undertones, often found in blends to add complexity and structure.
Grecanico
Grape History
Grecanico is an ancient grape variety that has been grown in Italy for centuries. It is primarily cultivated in Sicily, where it thrives in the sunny and dry climate of the region. The exact origins of Grecanico are not entirely clear, but it is believed to have Greek origins, as its name suggests.
Grecanico is known for producing wines that are aromatic, with a pleasant acidity and good structure. The wines made from Grecanico are typically fresh and crisp, with notes of citrus, green apple, and hints of minerality. Grecanico is often used to make both still and sparkling wines, adding a unique character to the blends it is a part of.
In Sicily, Grecanico is often blended with other indigenous varieties such as Catarratto and Inzolia to create refreshing and flavorful white wines. It is also used to produce a famous traditional wine called "Moscato di Siracusa," a sweet and aromatic dessert wine. Grecanico is known for its versatility in winemaking, as it can be used to produce a range of styles from dry to sweet and still to sparkling.
While Grecanico has a long history in Sicily, it is gaining recognition internationally for its quality and unique flavor profile. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in indigenous Italian grape varieties, and Grecanico is one of the varieties benefiting from this trend. As consumers become more interested in exploring different wine styles and regions, Grecanico has the potential to become more widely appreciated and sought after in the global wine market.
Overall, Grecanico is a grape variety with a rich history, distinctive flavor profile, and promising future in the world of wine. Its versatility in winemaking, coupled with its unique characteristics, make it a grape variety worth exploring and appreciating by wine enthusiasts worldwide.
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