Aleatico in Australia

Aleatico is a highly perfumed red grape variety with some similarity to muscat.

The Aleatico Grape

Aleatico is used in Italy, especially in Tuscany, Puglia and Lazio as well as  on the islands of Elba and Corsica to produce sweet wines, some are fortified. On a global scale this variety ranks 509 in terms of area planted.

The variety is also grown in California, Central Asia (Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan) and Chile. 

Many producers use the passito method where the grapes are partially dried prior to vinification.

Aleatico In Australia

There are just a few Australian producers:

• Freeman Vineyards Hilltops
• Di Lusso Estate Mudgee
• Tizzana Winery South Coast Zone
• Tractorless Vineyard Southern Highlands

More Italian red wine varieties used in Australia

The future of the variety seems to be somewhat limited, although there is renewed interest in sweetish wines. 

The strong grapey flavours of Aleatico wines can complement Gorgonzola cheese or perhaps cream based cakes or desserts.

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