The Grechetto
Grape
A white grape variety primarily found in Umbria and Lazio regions of Italy, Grechetto is used in the production of Orvieto and other Italian white wines. It is appreciated for its ability to produce structured wines with flavors of green apple, peach, and herbs, along with a characteristic minerality.
Grechetto
Grape History
Grechetto is a white wine grape variety that is believed to have originated in Greece, hence the name "Grechetto" which means "Greek" in Italian. It is a relatively ancient grape variety that has been cultivated in Central Italy for centuries. The first documented mention of Grechetto dates back to the 14th century, in a document from the town of Todi in Umbria, Italy.
One interesting fact about Grechetto is that it is a versatile grape that can be used to produce a variety of wine styles. It is often used to make both still and sparkling wines, as well as sweet wines. Grechetto is known for its good acidity, which makes it ideal for blending with other grape varieties that may lack acidity.
Grechetto is primarily grown in Central Italy, particularly in the regions of Umbria and Lazio. In Umbria, Grechetto is a key grape variety in the production of Orvieto, a popular white wine blend. Grechetto wines are typically characterized by their crisp acidity, floral aromas, and flavors of citrus, peach, and almond.
In addition to Orvieto, Grechetto is also used in the production of Grechetto di Todi, a wine from the town of Todi in Umbria which is made exclusively from Grechetto grapes. This wine is known for its elegance, complexity, and aging potential.
The future of Grechetto looks promising, as it has gained popularity in recent years both in Italy and abroad. Winemakers are increasingly recognizing the potential of the grape to produce high-quality wines with unique characteristics. Grechetto is also well-suited to organic and sustainable viticulture practices, making it an attractive choice for producers looking to minimize their environmental impact.
Overall, Grechetto is a fascinating grape variety with a long history and a bright future. Its versatility, unique characteristics, and potential for producing excellent wines make it a grape to watch in the world of wine.
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