Blog: Appassimento | Classic

Italy is not only known for its breathtaking scenery and rich culture, but also for its diverse wine tradition. Among the many wine specialties that enrich the Italian wine world, the Appassimento holds a special place. This unique production process gives red wines a sweet note that delights lovers of mild and round flavor profiles. In this article, we take a closer look at the art of appassimento and discover how this method results in some of Italy's most delicious wines.

Appassimento
Red wines with residual sweetness are common throughout Italy and are produced using numerous but similar production methods. The best known varieties include Amarone, Ripasso, Sforzato, Appassimento and Doppio Passo. What these wines have in common is that the grapes are dried before they are pressed. This step is carried out in different ways, either by drying the grapes directly on the vine or on straw mats after the harvest.

The art of concentration
Appassimento is about deliberately concentrating the juice of the grapes. This is achieved by drying, which intensifies the fructose and extracts in the grapes. The resulting higher residual sugar concentration leads to a wine with a soft and round flavor profile, free of sharp edges. Tannins, which are in the foreground in many dry red wines, take a back seat in the Appassimento, while the residual sweetness takes the leading role.

A delight for the sweet palate
Wine drinkers who do not like dry and tannin-rich wines will particularly appreciate the Appassimento. The soft taste without the dominance of tannins makes these wines an excellent choice for anyone who craves a sweet temptation. The variety of aromas created by the concentration of grapes ranges from dark fruits to spicy notes and a hint of chocolate - a true feast for the senses.

Popular Appassimento varieties
Some of the various Appassimento wines are particularly noteworthy. Amarone della Valpolicella, for example, is considered the king of Appassimento wines and impresses with its complexity and elegance. Ripasso della Valpolicella, a lighter version, is also gaining more and more fans. Other names worth mentioning are Sforzato from Valtellina and Doppio Passo from the south of Italy.

Conclusion
Appassimento is more than just a production process - it is an art that underlines the diversity and sophistication of Italian wine culture. The sweet seduction of these wines delights wine connoisseurs all over the world and offers an alternative enjoyment option for those who appreciate the interplay of fruitiness and residual sweetness. Immerse yourself in the world of Appassimento and let yourself be enchanted by the sweet temptations of Italy. - Gerardo [TS09/22]