Story: Albarossa | Grape variety
Page: 1/1
Overview
Albarossa is an Italian red grape variety that was bred in 1938 in Veneto at the Istituto Sperimentale per la Viticoltura in Conegliano by Professor Giovanni Dalmasso. Originally intended as a cross between Nebbiolo and Barbera, a DNA analysis in 2009 showed that the old French variety Chatus was used instead of Nebbiolo. Albarossa combines Barbera's robustness and high yields with the structure-giving properties of Chatus and is considered a late-ripening, acidic variety with high color and tannin content.
Origin and breeding
Albarossa was created in 1938 as a result of the work of Giovanni Dalmasso, who was looking for a variety that combined the high quality of Nebbiolo with the disease resistance and yields of Barbera. DNA analyses in 2009 corrected the original assumption: the partner referred to as “Nebbiolo di Dronero” was in fact the French Chatus grape. The confusion was due to the fact that Chatus was also known as Nebbiolo di Dronero in parts of Piedmont.
Viticulture and characteristics
Albarossa vines produce compact grapes with small, thick-skinned berries that are rich in anthocyanins and give the wine an intense color. The variety ripens late, but retains a good acid structure even with long hang times - ideal for powerful, harmonious wines. Due to its Barbera ancestry, Albarossa has a natural resistance to mildew and botrytis, which makes it easier to grow in less optimal years.
Growing areas and production
Although included as an approved variety for Italian DOC wines in 1977, the vineyard area remained under ten hectares for a long time. Today, Albarossa is mainly found in Piedmont, where winegrowers such as Michele Chiarlo and Banfi Piemonte use the variety in Monferrato DOC wines. In Nizza Monferrato, Marco Bonfante presses an Appassimento version (“Albarone”) based on the Amarone model. Smaller trial plantings also exist in California, Australia and New Zealand.
Stylistics and tasting profile
Albarossa wines have a deep ruby red color and aromas of dark berries, cherries and spices, often accompanied by licorice and peppery notes. On the palate, they are dense, tannic and have a lively acidity that lends freshness and longevity. Potential ageing in barriques adds complexity and a velvety texture.
Relationship and synonyms
Albarossa is part of a family of other Dalmasso crosses with Chatus and Barbera, which also includes Cornarea, Nebbiera, San Michele and Soperga. The variety is also known under the names XV/31, Dalmasso 15-31 and Incrocio Dalmasso XV-31.
Future prospects
Thanks to its combination of color, acidity and resistance, Albarossa is being promoted as a niche variety by dedicated producers. Initiatives by large houses such as Banfi and experimental projects abroad could help this once almost lost variety to become more widespread and gain recognition as a representative of modern Italian red wine with a strong character. - Gerardo [TS05/25]
| Name | Albarossa | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Category | Grape Variety | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
