Erbamat

Erbamat is a rare, almost extinct, Italian variety. It makes quite neutral, high-acid wines and is therefore well suited for the production of sparkling wines.

Erbamat grapes have a light green colour with a slight yellowish hue. Its delicate flavour profile can show aromas such as almonds, white flowers with notes of honey and apricot. Its taste profile is rather neutral and light to medium-bodied.

Erbamat is grown mostly in the northern parts of Italy. The Erbamat grape is now officially included among the grapes allowed to make Franciacorta sparkling wines. Erbamat grapes need a warm climate and well-drained soil to reach their full potential. Erbamat is a late-ripening grape that is picked around the end of September. The wines made from Erbamat grapes are high in acidity and rather neutral in taste. The few commercial examples that are found on the market are usually crisp, fresh and can resemble sometimes wines made from the Trebbiano grape. Since 2017, regulations for Franciacorta production allow for the wine to have of up to 10% Erbamat. Erbamat wines pair well with seafood, poultry and vegetable dishes. They also pair well with light cheeses such as goat cheese and ricotta.

Erbamat was already mentioned in the sixteenth century as one of the best varieties for white wines in Italy.

Nowadays only a couple of cases of this rare grape variety are produced every year.