Groppello is a red grape variety mostly grown in the northern Italian region of Lombardy. It is known for its versatility and for producing wines with a range of styles.
Groppello is a red grape variety that produces light to medium-bodied wines with a deep ruby colour. Its aroma profile typically includes notes of cherries, wild strawberries, and flowers. Its taste profile is generally full and fruity, with silky tannins and a hint of spice.
Groppello is mostly grown in Lombardy, particularly in the Valtellina, Val Camonica, Garda, and Valpolicella regions. It is also grown in smaller quantities in Trentino, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna. Groppello is a vigorous, late-ripening variety that is well-suited to the cooler climates of northern Italy. Winemakers often harvest the grapes late in the season to achieve high levels of ripeness and concentration. The wine is characterised by its ripe fruit, soft tannins, and spicy finish. In Val Camonica, the variety is used to make the DOCG wines of Groppello di Revò and Groppello its Riserva version, which are characterised by their intense aromas and flavour. In the Garda region, it is used to make the DOC wines of Groppello di Garda and Groppello di Garda Classico. These wines are characterised by their fresh fruit and delicate tannins. Groppello is an incredibly versatile grape variety and pairs well with a wide range of dishes. Its lighter styles pair well with roasted vegetables, while its fuller-bodied styles pair well with beef, lamb, and game.
Groppello is one of the oldest red grape varieties in Italy, with records of its existence dating back to the 16th century.
It was traditionally used as a blending grape for Valpolicella and Amarone wines, but has recently gained recognition for its quality on its own.