Aleatico

Aleatico is an ancient Italian grape variety grown in the regions of Tuscany and Lazio. It is a high-quality red grape variety and is best known for its sweet and aromatic wines.

Aleatico produces pale red wines with aromas of ripe red berry fruit and sweet spices. On the palate, the wines are medium-bodied, with soft tannins and a sweet, fruity finish.

Aleatico is primarily grown in the regions of Tuscany and Lazio, but can also be found in other parts of Italy, such as Puglia and Marche. Aleatico is a high-quality variety which requires careful pruning, thinning of the crop, and moderate yields in order to produce the best wines. The grape thrives in warm climates and is usually harvested in late summer. It buds early but ripens midseason. It is sensitive to powdery mildew and botrytis bunch rot. Aleatico is most famously used in the production of fragrant wines. In Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG, the grape is used to make a passito style wine with aromas of ripe red fruit and spices. In Lazio, Aleatico is used to make light, fruity wines with a sweet finish. Aleatico pairs well with a variety of dishes, including roast meats, game, and hard cheeses. The sweeter styles of Aleatico are best served with desserts or fruit-based dishes.

Aleatico is believed to have been brought to Italy by the ancient Greeks, who called it "Alicat".