Winemaker Notes
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
The biggest island in the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest Italian island after Sardinia and Sicily—though that isn’t saying mush since it is a lot smaller—Elba is an extraordinarily gorgeous island, surrounded by vast aquamarine waters. Only 250 acres are planted with the main grapes as Trebbiano, Vermentino, Ansonica (Sicily’s Inzolia), and Sangiovese. Elba is also home to the sweet and exotic red Aleatico passito.