The Grechetto grape is a white wine grape variety that's used by Italian vintners as a blending ingredient in the production of blended wines. Common blending partners include Chardonnay, Verbello, and Trebbiano.
Where It's Grown
The Grechetto grape originated in Greece and migrated to the valleys and rolling hills of Central Italy. Historical records suggest that the grape has been grown since early Medieval times. However, because it's been cultivated for so long in Umbria, Grechetta is considered to be as good as native to that region. It's also widely cultivated in Tuscany and Lazio. Italy is currently the only country where the Grechetto grape is under cultivation.
The Grechetto grape originated in Greece and migrated to the valleys and rolling hills of Central Italy. Historical records suggest that the grape has been grown since early Medieval times. However, because it's been cultivated for so long in Umbria, Grechetta is considered to be as good as native to that region. It's also widely cultivated in Tuscany and Lazio. Italy is currently the only country where the Grechetto grape is under cultivation.
What It's Like
The thick skin of the Grechetto grape makes it ideal for late-season harvesting, which allows for greater sugar production that results in a sweeter taste than most white wines, which makes it an excellent addition to blended dessert wines. As an added bonus, the thickness of its skin also protects the grapes from being damaged by fungal pathogens.
The thick skin of the Grechetto grape makes it ideal for late-season harvesting, which allows for greater sugar production that results in a sweeter taste than most white wines, which makes it an excellent addition to blended dessert wines. As an added bonus, the thickness of its skin also protects the grapes from being damaged by fungal pathogens.
Grechetto features an herbal, slightly nutty bouquet that makes it desirable for blending with other whites for the purpose of introducing opulence and structure. Winemakers love it because it can be produced in concentrated form and then diluted to meet very precise blending specifications.
How It's Paired
Blended wines made with Grechetto are commonly paired with other white wine pairing classics, such as seafood and poultry. Blended wines with a larger proportion of Grechetto have the body and depth appropriate for pairing with seafood with robust flavors such as salmon and tuna.
Blended wines made with Grechetto are commonly paired with other white wine pairing classics, such as seafood and poultry. Blended wines with a larger proportion of Grechetto have the body and depth appropriate for pairing with seafood with robust flavors such as salmon and tuna.
When Grechetto is used as a component of dessert wines, the result pairs wonderfully with confections crafted from summer fruits such as peaches, early apples, and berries. It's also a popular choice for enjoying with cakes, bars, and truffles made from medium-bodied chocolate as well as anything with pralines or hazelnuts. Grechetto is commonly used in the production of a renowned Italian dessert wine known as Vin Santo.
Raise a glass of a Grechetto blend and find out what all the fuss is about.
