Graticcio · Appassionato Vino Rosso 2022

  Appassimento is a centuries-old, traditional method of the Veneto region that yields wines of incomparable concentration and depth. Instead of being pressed immediately, the hand-picked grapes are left to dry for weeks or even months in well-ventilated rooms. Historically, this was done on bamboo mats called 'graticci,' from which the wine takes its name. Through this natural dehydration process, the berries lose a significant amount of their water, resulting in a tremendous concentration of sugars, aromas, and extracts.

The result of this laborious procedure is a wine with a lush, almost creamy texture and a complex flavor profile. Alongside intense primary fruit, characteristic notes of raisins, dried plums, and sweet spices develop. While this technique is taken to the extreme with the famous Amarone, a shorter drying period lends wines like the Graticcio a touch of luxury: they gain more body, a flattering smoothness, and a fascinating aromatic density, all while remaining approachable and highly drinkable. - Gerardo [TS10/23]