Groppello - a warmth from the north

…and the “RARE GRAPE SERIES” continues…

Today we take a short look at GROPPELLO. The Groppello variety is found in several pockets in north-central Italy, specifically in the provinces of Vicenza, Verona, and Treviso in Veneto, the provinces of Brescia and Bergamo in Lombardia, and various dispersed areas in the region of Trentino. Though fairly well-diffused, the variety’s original homeland seems to be at or around Lake Garda which straddles the border of the regions of Lombardia and Veneto.

The name “Groppello” seems to be derived from the local dialect word “grop” or “groppo” meaning “knot” or “node” which is a clear reference to the tightness of the berries in the bunches. As is the case with many varieties, there are a couple of distinct branches in the Gropello family. One of these is named Groppello Gentile. This sub-variety is used primarily in the production of rose` wines. The other side of the family is called Groppello di Mocasina. This vine yields wines with greater intensity and weight, and consequently is most often used in the production of red wines. Neither of the branches is more prevalent in one geographical zone than another, and in fact, both sub-varieties are cultivated in all of the grape’s growing zones, and at times, they are planted cheek by jowl, and are even blended together by some growers.

Groppello plays a role in three northern Italian DOCs: Riviera del Garda Bresciano in Lombardia, Breganze Rosso in Veneto, a varietal bottling called Garda Classico Gropello DOC, as well as a component in the Garda Rosso red blends that can also include Marzemino, Barbera and Sangiovese This wine is also produced in Veneto.

In the vineyard, Groppello is quite hardy with good resistence to both cold temperatures and most of the common vine diseases. Due to the variety’s very tight berry bunches however, Gropello can be somewhat prone to contracting molds in wetter years.

In the glass Groppello has quite a “warm”, rich, and round character a with medium acidity and good weight. The variety most often displays flavors and aromas of strawberries and spice.

Currently, we’re stocking just one Groppello (and I must admit, it’s the only pure Gropello I’ve ever tasted, or even know of - though I have encountered it before in the Garda Rosso blend), but this wine arrived at our doorstep TODAY, so I haven’t yet had the chance to make formal tasting notes…I’m planning however on getting them written over the weekend, so check back Monday for my impressions…in the meantime, I encourage everyone out there to pick up a bottle and beat me to the punch by posting YOUR tasting notes here in the comments field.

TOM CIOCCO

GROPE A BOTTLE OF GROPPELLO!