Grechetto rosso

Grechetto Rosso is a rare and nearly extinct red grape variety that was once cultivated exclusively in the province of Viterbo, located in northern Lazio, central Italy. Historically, this distinctive grape was used in the production of a unique wine under the Colli Etruschi Viterbesi DOC, where it was vinified in purity. However, Grechetto Rosso is no longer commercially cultivated, and wines made entirely from this grape are now extremely rare or practically unavailable on the market.

The Grechetto Rosso grape is notable for its medium-sized, black, ovoid berries, which often appear irregular or slightly nodular in shape. The skin is a rich red-bluish hue with a faint waxy coating. The bunches are typically large, cylindrical, and winged, moderately compact, and accompanied by medium-sized, pentagonal leaves of a medium to dark green tone.

Despite its obscurity today, Grechetto Rosso was once appreciated for its high productivity and the wines it produced. In the glass, Grechetto Rosso wines display a ruby red colour of varying intensity. The aroma is distinctive, fragrant, and often marked by fruity notes. On the palate, the wine is dry, fruity, well-balanced, and persistently flavourful, offering a profile that would likely appeal to modern drinkers interested in indigenous Italian varieties and historic wines. As interest in forgotten or heritage grape varieties grows, Grechetto Rosso may yet experience a revival. For now, it remains a rare piece of Lazio’s viticultural heritage.