A few weeks ago, I introduced you to Assyrtiko, a rare white grape from Santorini, Greece. Today, we’ll continue along the path of exploring rare whites by looking at Verdiccio and Trebbiano.
Exploring Rare Whites
My Wine Tribe introduces us to five rare whites, including Verdicchio. They say that it “is considered one of Italy’s best wine grapes. Known for its versatility, Verdiccio produces a light and easy drinking wine that, because of its high levels of acidity, typically pairs well with food.”
Wine Scholar Guild tells us that Trebbiano is a very perplexing wine. Why? First, these grapes are among the most widely planted white wine grapes grown in Italy. Second, “true varietal Trebbiano wines are rare, as the grape is often blended or — in places like Emilia-Romagna, Lazio and Abruzzo — not even properly identified and categorized. Only recently have genetic studies begun to iron out the relations among these grapes, so it is not uncommon that vineyards could be co-planted with different varieties all together. Another possibility: a winemaker may have been told they have Trebbiano Abruzzese in their vineyard, for example, when in fact it is Trebbiano Toscano. While this confusion is not entirely common, it is persistent.”
They go on to say that Trebbiano refers to a group of grapes. which include Tr. Toscano, Tr. Abruzzese, Tr. Spoletino and Tr. di Soave. The first is the “most common Trebbiano in the world[, and it] is also known by its French name, Ugni Blanc — which is the core grape behind Cognac. In Italy, Trebbiano Toscano reigns as one of the most widely planted white grapes, thanks to its easy-to-grow versatility and high yields. But that reputation has a flipside: the resulting wines are often pale, dilute and uninteresting. Where Trebbiano Toscano is most valued is in blends, both in dry white wines where it can provide much-needed acidity, and in Tuscany’s world-class vin santo wines, where its zippy acidity balances Malvasia Bianca Lunga’s richness and plush texture.”
The Other Trebbianos
Trebbiano Abruzzese is grown in the mountains, making the wines more mysterious. “It makes some of Italy’s most fascinating, textural and age-worthy dry white wines.”
Trebbiano di Soave is genetically identical to Verdicchio, which is well known in many of Le Marche’s (and Italy’s) greatest white wines. Wait, I’m confused. Some articles indicated that these two grapes were one and the same. I guess they’re not.
Verdicchio
Verdicchio isn’t a member of the Trebbiano family. Its localized name is Veneto.
Vinerra provides a lot of great information about the similarities and differences between the two grapes.
Similarities:
- “Genetic Background: Trebbiano di Lugana and Verdicchio wines are made from grape varieties with similar genetic backgrounds. Trebbiano di Lugana, often referred to as Turbiana, is closely related to the Verdicchio grape.
- High Acidity: These wines typically exhibit high acidity, contributing to their freshness and food-pairing versatility.
- Flavour Profile: Both wines can present a range of flavours, from floral to fruity, depending on the specific vineyard practices and winemaking techniques used.”
Differences:
- “Regional Influence: Trebbiano di Lugana is primarily produced in the Lombardy and Veneto regions near Lake Garda, while Verdicchio is most commonly associated with the Marche region in Italy. This difference in terroir influences the mineral and flavour profiles of the wines.
- Aromatic Profiles: Research has indicated that Lugana wines tend to show more floral and minty notes, whereas Verdicchio wines are more likely to exhibit spicy and toasted aromas. This difference in aroma can be attributed to the varying terpenes and esters found in the wines due to regional climatic conditions.
- Aging Potential: Verdicchio is known for its aging potential, often developing complex flavour profiles over time. Trebbiano di Lugana, while also capable of aging, is often appreciated for its younger, fresher qualities.”
I would love to hear about your experiences with both grapes.
