Greco Bianco is an Italian grape variety primarily cultivated in the southern regions of Italy. The name translates simply to 'White Greek', indicating its supposed Grecian origins, though the exact history of the grape remains unclear. It is highly regarded in Calabria, particularly in the province of Crotone, where the warm Mediterranean sunlight bathes Greco Bianco vineyards, and the maritime influence contributes to the unique mineral characteristics of the wines.
Renowned for its full-bodied white wines, the Greco Bianco grape produces wines of remarkable depth and complexity. When tasted, the initial impression is often a fresh, citrus note, followed by hints of peaches, and subtle nuances of herbs and almonds. Noteworthy for its crisp acidity and a slight salinity, wines made from this grape variety often possess a distinctive mineral profile, making them an excellent companion to seafood.
The grapes possess thick skins that protect them from the heat, enabling them to thrive in southern Italy's warm climates. This thickness also imparts tannic structure and contributes to the wine's ageing potential. Although it can be enjoyed young, the Greco Bianco wines display an impressive capacity to age, with some ageing in the bottle for up to a decade. Over time, these wines develop richer, more layered flavours, transforming from lush, youthful fruitiness to complex, aged wines with notes of honey and nuts.
Due to its robust flavours, Greco Bianco is a superb culinary companion. It pairs particularly well with robust seafood dishes, including clams and mussels, as well as chicken and even creamy pasta sauces. Greco Bianco, with its historical lineage and vineyard adaptability to warm climates, continues to flourish as a grape variety in southern Italy, rewarding wine lovers with its exceptional range and depth of flavour.
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