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Discovering the Recioto di Gambellara DOCG wine

Recioto di Gambellara | Enjoy Food & Wine
Written by EFW Staff

Discovering the Recioto di Gambellara DOCG wine

Recioto di Gambellara DOCG

Recioto di Gambellara is a DOCG wine (in English, Controlled and Guaranteed Designation of Origin) instituted through decree of 01/08/2008, which production is allowed in the west part of Vicenza province, on the border with Verona and the Soave municipality, along the so-called “Strada del Recioto” (in English, Recioto Route).

The involved municipalities are: Gambellara, Montebello Vicentino, Zermeghedo and a part of the hills of Montorso Vicentino.

The vineyards, from which the production is allowed, come from the Garganega grapes, native from the Gambellara hills, for at least the 80%. The other 20% comes from Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay and Trebbiano di Soave (local) up to a maximum of the 20%.

The bunch of grapes of the Garganega is long, cylindrical-pyramidal shape with a yellow-gold peel and a smell that reminds almond and white flowers. There are two types of this vineyard, Traditional and Sparkling; it is considered as one of the most elegant sparkling wines of the Italian tradition.

Curiosities about the name and production method

Varie immagini produzione recioto | Enjoy Food & Wine

The origins of Recioto and the name itself are uncertain. According to some people, it comes from the Passito wine Reticio, mentioned both by Virgilio and Plinio il Vecchio, whereas to others, it comes from the Latin root racemus (bunch of grapes), given that in the Medieval time people used to call “recis” the grapes hung to dry for the preservation. Another hypothesis is that the term comes from the venetian dialect “recia” (ear), referring to the highest part of the grapes, which contains the best juice.

The production of Recioto di Gambellara has ancient origins and comes from the ancient tradition of the territory. The best grapes of Garganega are placed on trellis or hung on the so-called picai, preferably in ventilated places without humidity.

Grapes dry out until December-January, and then they are treaded. The obtained wort is subjected to a white fermentation from which results a harmonious wine, with a slight taste of Passito wine, and a delicate sour aftertaste.

Traditional Recioto di Gambellara

The traditional Recioto di Gambellara has a variable colour, from a straw yellow to a gold yellow, more or less intense, with amber shades. In the nose, it smells of ripe fruit with vanilla notes, whereas the taste is sweet and delicate with a light sour aftertaste.

Sparkling Recioto di Gambellara

The sparkling Recioto di Gambellara has a variable colour, from a straw yellow to a gold yellow, the foam is persistent and light, the smell is intense and fruity, the taste is velvety, fruity with vanilla shades.

Advised pairings

Recioto di Gambellara, is the perfect wine for desserts, ice-cream and dry pastry. The matching par excellence is with the Brasadelo, typical local dry dessert with a ring-cake shape.

Sources:

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/

http://www.stradadelrecioto.com/

 

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EFW Staff