Garganega

Garganega
Garganega grapes
Color of berry skin:	Blanc
Species:	Vitis vinifera
Also called:	Garganega(more)
Origin:	Verona and Vicenza
Notable regions:	Italy

Garganega is a variety of white Italian wine grape widely grown in the Veneto (wine) region of North East Italy, particularly in the provinces of Verona and Vicenza. It is Italy's 6th most widely planted white grape. It forms the basis of Venetian white wine Soave and is also a major portion of the blend used to make Gambellara.^[1] Ampelographers believe the grape to be related to the Grecanico grape of Sicily due to the similarities of clusters, berries and leaf characteristics but there has been conclusive DNA evidence linking the two vines.^[2]

Wine regions

In the Soave region, Garganega is the primary grape and can compose anywhere from 70 to 100% of the blend with Trebbiano and Chardonnay being its usual blending partners. In the Classico zone of Soave, where yields are most often kept in check, the grape can produce a delicate wine with lemon, almond and spicy notes. In addition to Soave, Garganega is also widely grown in the Gambellara, Bianco di Custoza, Colli Berici and Colli Euganei DOCs. Outside of the Veneto, there are some plantings in the Umbria and Friuli wine regions.^[1]

Viticulture and wines

The Garganega vine has a tendency to ripen late and can be very vigorous. In the fertile, flatlands outside the Soave Classico zone, the grape can produce excessively high yields that lead to very thin and neutral flavored wines. The acid levels in Garganega lends itself well to the production of sweet recioto wines that have the potential to improve with bottle age for a decade or more.^[2]

Synonyms

Gargana, Lizzana, Ostesona.^[3]

References