A family of about 8 related varieties, one of Italy’s oldest. Primary family members: Lambrusco di Sorbara: Light bodied, high in acidity. Aromas & flavors: Violet, red currant, strawberry. Lambrusco Grasparossa (di Castelvetro): Full bodied, tannic. Aromas & flavors: Ripe black cherry, dark plum, sometimes almond. Lambrusco Maestri: Aromas & flavors: Plum, black cherry, chocolate, violet, […]
Interview with Michaela and Greg Rodeno of Villa Ragazzi By Geralyn Brostrom, posted May 5, 2014 Bright January sun was illuminating the dormant vines and few cars were traveling up and down Route 29, which meant the views left and right were unobstructed. This is one of my favorite times of year to drive 29 […]
Here’s why we encourage our students to space out while studying Italian wine. . . .
Thick skin, ideal for air-drying. Light in color and tannin. Aromas & flavors: Violet, blackberry, red cherry, herbs. Believed to be a descendant of both Marzemino and Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso; distinct from Corvinone and Corbina.
Low in acidity and high in tannin. Earlier ripening than Barbera or Nebbiolo. Aromas & flavors: “Grapey,” blueberry, black currant, violet, orange peel, black tea. Best DOPs: Dogliani (most floral and powerful), Dolcetto d’Alba (fullest bodied), Diano d’Alba (in between); in Liguria, Ormeasco di Pornassio.
Aka Spanna in northern Piedmont, Chiavennasca in Lombardy, and Picotener in Valle d’Aosta. Italy’s greatest native grape. Garnet with a telltale orange hue. High in acidity, tannins, and alcohol. Extensive aging potential. Aromas & flavors: Flowers (red rose, violet), sour red cherry, cranberry, tea, tobacco, licorice, sandalwood, truffle. Three main biotypes: Lampia (the “real” Nebbiolo), […]
Group of unrelated varieties, most significantly Schiava Gentile, Schiava Grossa, and Schiava Grigia—typically interplanted and blended together as “Schiava.” Light to medium bodied, pinkish, high in acid. Aromas & flavors: Intense strawberry, cherry, cranberry, almond, violet, red currant, pomegranate. Best DOPs: Lago di Caldaro DOC, Santa Maddalena subzone of Alto Adige DOC.
