The Raboso
Grape
A red grape variety native to the Veneto region of Italy, known for its high acidity and tannins, producing robust, full-bodied wines with flavors of dark fruits, spices, and an earthy note, often used in the production of sparkling and still red wines.
Raboso
Grape History
Raboso is an ancient grape variety that has been cultivated in the Veneto region of Italy for centuries. It is believed to have originated in the Euganean Hills near Padua and has been documented as far back as the 15th century. The name "Raboso" is thought to have derived from the local dialect word "raboxo," meaning stubborn or difficult, which may refer to the grape's challenging cultivation conditions.
One of the most interesting facts about Raboso is its unique characteristics. It is known for its deep red color, high acidity, and tannic structure, making it ideal for producing bold, full-bodied red wines. Raboso grapes typically have thick skins, which contribute to the wine's rich color and intense flavor profile. Additionally, Raboso is often used as a blending grape to add complexity and structure to other varieties, such as Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
Raboso is primarily grown in the Veneto region of Italy, particularly in the provinces of Treviso and Padua. The grape thrives in the region's mild climate and fertile soil, producing high-quality wines with distinctive flavors. Raboso is also cultivated in small quantities in other parts of Italy, such as Friuli-Venezia Giulia and Lombardy.
In terms of wine styles, Raboso is commonly used to produce red wines, including both still and sparkling variations. One of the most famous wines made from Raboso grapes is Raboso del Piave DOC, a dry red wine with a rich, tannic character and notes of dark fruit and spices. This wine is often aged in oak barrels to further enhance its complexity and depth.
The future of Raboso as a wine grape variety is promising, as winemakers continue to explore its potential and experiment with different winemaking techniques. With its robust flavors and strong structure, Raboso wines are gaining recognition both in Italy and on the international stage. As consumers increasingly seek out unique and flavorful wines, Raboso is well-positioned to become a sought-after varietal in the world of wine.
Overall, Raboso is a fascinating grape variety with a long history and exciting future ahead. Its distinctive characteristics and versatility in winemaking make it a valuable asset to the Veneto region and the wider world of wine. Whether enjoyed on its own or as part of a blend, Raboso wines offer a memorable tasting experience that is sure to captivate wine enthusiasts for years to come.
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