Trebbiano Wine
Trebbiano is the Roman Emperor of Italian white grape varieties. Trebbiano’s aromatic palette is short but conclusive : bitter almond, lemon, seashell and basil. Due to its high acidity and light aromatic assortment, Trebbiano does not usually fly solo and is mostly found in blends, with the exception of the Valentini Trebbiano d’Abruzzo, which is a rare and precious gem of a wine. That being said, when Trebbiano does collaborate with other grapes, like it does with the Trebbiano di Soave or the Trebbiano di Lugana, magical things happen. Why not give into temptation and la Dolce Vita with a bottle of this quintessential Italian white?
Trebbiano Wine
The Trebbiano grape, an iconic variety of Italy, is widely spread across the country and beyond, under various names and forms. Known for its versatility and ability to produce dry and fresh white wines, it is a key component in several prestigious blends.
Origin
The exact origin of this variety remains somewhat uncertain, although it is believed to have ancient roots in Italy. Cultivated for centuries in various wine regions of the peninsula, it demonstrates its adaptability and popularity. Its name comes from the Italian word "trebbiare," meaning "to thresh," referring to its historical use in the production of wine and brandy. It is often associated with dry and fresh white wines, but it is also used in the production of sweet wines like vino santo in Tuscany.
Ampelographic and Cultivation Characteristics
Trebbiano is characterized by its medium to large clusters and round, thick-skinned berries. It adapts well to warm climates and various soils, explaining its wide distribution across Italian wine regions. It is valued for its ability to maintain lively acidity while developing subtle fruit and floral aromas. It is suited for high yields while maintaining good grape quality, making it a popular choice among winemakers seeking to produce affordable but quality Italian wines.
Main Italian Appellations
In Italy, several denominations celebrate this grape in their wines. Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is a dry and fresh white wine produced in the Abruzzo region, highlighting the freshness and liveliness of the grape. Originating from the Romagna region in Emilia-Romagna, Trebbiano Rubicone is known for its dry and aromatic white wines. Grown around Lake Garda in Lombardy and Veneto, Trebbiano di Lugana produces mineral and refreshing white wines. As for Trebbiano Toscano, notably used for vino santo in Tuscany, it offers a sweet and aromatic wine appreciated for its complexity and richness.
Malvasia in Parallel
Alongside Trebbiano, Malvasia also plays a crucial role in the Italian wine landscape. Originating from the Mediterranean, Malvasia is cultivated in several clones throughout Italy, each bringing distinct characteristics. In Tuscany, Malvasia Bianca Lunga is used to produce sweet and aromatic wines, often associated with vino santo for its floral aromas and balanced sweetness. In northern Italy, Malvasia Istriana is appreciated for its freshness and aromatic complexity in dry white wines, while Malvasia di Candia contributes to blends for fresh and fragrant white wines in Emilia-Romagna and Liguria. In Sicily and Sardinia, Malvasia delle Lipari is used to produce sweet and luscious wines influenced by the Mediterranean climate.
Trebbiano in Blended Wines
This variety is often used in various blends to enhance the structure and complexity of wines. It is an essential ingredient in the production of vino santo, where it adds balanced sweetness and notes of dried fruits. Combined with grape varieties such as Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, and Garganega, it contributes to balanced and refined blends, enriching the aromatic profile and texture of the final wine. In vino santo, Trebbiano plays a crucial role by providing refreshing acidity that balances the wine's richness, creating a harmonious balance between sweetness and freshness.
Presence Outside Italy
Trebbiano is also known as Ugni Blanc in France, where it is primarily used for the production of Cognac and Armagnac, as well as dry white wines in some regions. In France, Ugni Blanc is valued for its ability to maintain high acidity even in warm climates, making it a valuable choice for distillation as well as for the vinification of fresh and lively white wines. Outside Europe, this variety is successfully cultivated in Bulgaria, where it is appreciated for its resistance to continental climates and consistent yields. In the New World, particularly in Australia and California, it is gaining popularity for its ability to produce fresh and vibrant white wines suited to warmer climates.
Trebbiano embodies the diversity and richness of Italian viticultural heritage while playing a crucial role in the production of dry and refreshing white wines around the world. Whether in the form of vino santo in Tuscany, Trebbiano d'Abruzzo in central Italy, or Ugni Blanc in France, this versatile grape continues to inspire producers and delight wine enthusiasts with its ability to express terroir and provide memorable tasting experiences.
For more information, check out our list of grape varieties!
