Nosiola

Nosiola is a rare Italian white wine grape variety, mostly found in the northern Italian wine regions of Trentino and Veneto. It is considered one of the most important native grape varieties of Trentino and is prized for its delicate aromas, freshness, and complexity.

Nosiola produces pale straw yellow wines with aromas of white flowers, green apples, pear, and hazelnut. On the palate, the wines tend to be light-bodied and slightly acidic, with a fresh and delicate mineral character.

Nosiola is most commonly found in the Tretino Alto Adige region of northern Italy, particularly in the valleys around Trento, where it has been grown for hundreds of years. More recently, the variety has also been planted in other regions such as Veneto, Lombardy, and Friuli-Venezia Giulia. Nosiola is a medium ripening variety. It is resistent to most disease and well-suited with difficult weather conditions. Nosiola can be used to make crisp, fruity dry wines, which is usually vinified in stainless steel tanks to preserve its freshness and delicate aromas. It is used for the sweet air-dried sweet wine, the Vinsanto of Trentino. In the Trentino Alto Adige region, Nosiola is traditionally made in a light and fresh style, focusing on its delicate aromatics and minerality. It is often made as a blend with other white varieties. The sweet Vinsanto wine made from Nosiola is one of the most characteristic wine from the region, with rich, complex flavors of honey, dried fruits and hazelnut. In the Veneto region, Nosiola wines tend to be richer and more structured, with notes of white flowers, minerals, and citrus. Nosiola wines pair well with lighter dishes such as fish, shellfish, and vegetables. They can also be enjoyed on their own as an aperitif.

Nosiola is named after the Italian word for hazelnut (nocciola), which is thought to be related to the variety's characteristic nutty aromas.