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The Marzemino Grape

A red grape variety found mainly in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy, Marzemino produces lightly colored, aromatic wines with a notable acidity and flavors of berries and violets. It is known for its mention in Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni" and is often made into varietal wines that are fresh and easy to drink.

Marzemino Grape History

Marzemino is a red wine grape variety that has a long and storied history dating back to at least the 15th century. It is believed to have originated in northern Italy, specifically in the Trentino-Alto Adige region. The grape has been grown in this area for centuries and is considered one of the indigenous grape varieties of Italy.

Marzemino is known for its deep red color, medium body, and aromas of black cherry, plum, and spices. It typically produces wines that are smooth, elegant, and well-balanced, with soft tannins and a lingering finish. These characteristics have made Marzemino a popular choice for both single varietal wines and blending in various wine regions across Italy.

One of the most famous references to Marzemino in literature is in Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera "Don Giovanni," where the titular character famously sings about enjoying a glass of Marzemino wine. This mention has further added to the mystique and allure of this grape variety.

Marzemino is primarily grown in the Trentino-Alto Adige region of Italy, where it thrives in the area's cool climate and hilly terrain. However, it can also be found in other parts of Italy, such as Lombardy and Veneto. The grape is sensitive to climatic conditions and requires careful cultivation to reach its full potential.

In terms of winemaking, Marzemino is often used to produce single varietal wines that showcase the grape's unique characteristics. It is also commonly blended with other grape varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, to create more complex and structured wines.

As for the future of Marzemino, there is growing interest in this grape variety both in Italy and internationally. With a renewed focus on indigenous grape varieties and traditional winemaking methods, Marzemino is poised to gain further recognition and popularity among wine enthusiasts. Additionally, the grape's versatility and ability to adapt to different winemaking styles make it an attractive option for both traditional and modern winemakers.

Overall, Marzemino is a fascinating grape variety with a rich history and promising future. Its unique characteristics and ability to produce high-quality wines make it a valuable asset to the Italian wine industry and a beloved choice for wine drinkers around the world.

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