The Picolit
Grape
A rare white grape variety from the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Italy, Picolit is renowned for its sweet dessert wines. These wines have a delicate aroma of acacia flowers, apricots, and honey, with a notable sweetness balanced by acidity. Picolit's production is limited due to the grape's tendency towards low yields.
Picolit
Grape History
Picolit is a white wine grape variety that is native to the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in northeast Italy. The history of Picolit dates back centuries, with references to this grape found as early as the 17th century. It is believed to have been cultivated by the ancient Romans, who appreciated its unique characteristics and exceptional quality.
Picolit is a rare and special grape variety, known for producing wines of remarkable complexity and elegance. The grape clusters are small and tightly packed, with berries that are golden-yellow in color and high in sugar content. These characteristics make Picolit ideal for crafting sweet dessert wines that are rich, aromatic, and full-bodied.
Picolit is primarily used to make passito-style wines, where the grapes are dried on the vine or on mats after harvest to concentrate their sugars and flavors. This process results in a lusciously sweet wine with pronounced notes of honey, dried fruits, and aromatic herbs. Picolit wines are often described as luxurious and decadent, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.
Picolit is a low-yielding grape variety that requires meticulous care and attention in the vineyard. It is cultivated in select areas of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, particularly in the Colli Orientali del Friuli and Collio regions. The terroir of these areas, characterized by hilly landscapes, well-drained soils, and a temperate climate, provides the ideal conditions for Picolit to thrive and express its unique character.
In terms of wine styles, Picolit is most commonly used to produce passito wines, including Picolit Passito del Friuli and Picolit Vendemmia Tardiva. These wines are highly sought after for their exceptional quality and limited production, making them a true connoisseur's choice.
Despite its limited availability and niche market, Picolit has been gaining recognition and appreciation among wine enthusiasts worldwide. The projected future of Picolit looks promising, as more producers are recognizing the potential of this grape variety and are investing in its cultivation and production. With its distinctive flavor profile and high quality, Picolit is poised to continue making a mark in the world of fine wines.
In conclusion, Picolit is a rare and exquisite grape variety with a rich history and a promising future. Its exceptional quality and unique characteristics make it a standout choice for crafting superior dessert wines that delight the palate and captivate the senses. Keep an eye out for Picolit wines if you're looking to indulge in a luxurious and unforgettable wine experience.
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