The Inzolia
Grape
A white grape variety native to Sicily, Italy, Inzolia (also known as Ansonica in parts of Italy) is known for producing aromatic wines with a crisp acidity and flavors of almonds, citrus, and fresh herbs. It's often used in the production of Marsala but also produces varietal dry white wines that showcase the grape's delicate fruitiness and minerality.
Inzolia
Grape History
Inzolia is an ancient white wine grape variety that has a rich history and a promising future in the world of winemaking. Also known as Ansonica in parts of Italy, Inzolia is believed to have originated in Greece and was later brought to Sicily, Italy, where it has been cultivated for centuries.
Historical records show that Inzolia has been grown in Sicily since at least the 14th century, making it one of the oldest grape varieties in the region. The grape thrives in the warm Mediterranean climate of Sicily, where it is well-suited to the island's dry and sunny conditions. Inzolia is known for its high acidity and aromatic profile, with flavors ranging from citrus and tropical fruits to herbal and floral notes.
Inzolia is commonly used in the production of Sicilian white wines, where it is often blended with other local grape varieties such as Catarratto and Grillo. Inzolia-based wines are known for their crisp acidity, bright fruit flavors, and mineral undertones, making them ideal for pairing with seafood dishes, pasta, and light appetizers.
In addition to Sicily, Inzolia is also grown in other parts of Italy, such as Tuscany and Liguria, as well as in some regions of France. The grape has gained popularity in recent years for its versatility in winemaking, as it can be used to produce a wide range of wine styles, from light and refreshing whites to more complex and age-worthy wines.
Looking ahead, the future of Inzolia looks promising as winemakers continue to experiment with different winemaking techniques and styles to showcase the grape's unique characteristics. Inzolia has the potential to become a more widely recognized and sought-after grape variety on the international wine market, especially as consumers become more interested in discovering and exploring lesser-known wine regions and grape varieties.
Overall, Inzolia is a grape variety with a fascinating history, a diverse range of flavors, and a bright future ahead in the world of wine. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Inzolia wines are sure to delight wine lovers with their distinct personality and refreshing taste.
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