Nascetta grape is a relatively rare white wine grape variety indigenous to the Piemonte region in North-Western Italy. More precisely, it thrives in the Langhe hills, around the town of Novello. With a long history in wine production, it somehow fell out of favour and was nearly forgotten by the late 20th century.
Nascetta grapes produce a fresh and elegant wine, marked by its aromatic complexity. The wine typically offers a wide variety of tasting notes ranging from florals like chamomile to fruitier tones of apricot and citrus, often with hints of honey, spices, and minerals. While the Nascetta is most famous for its dry wines, it is also used to make passito - a sweet dessert wine.
The wines made from Nascetta are age-worthy and they often develop more complexity over time. This ageing potential is quite unique for Italian white wines, making Nascetta somewhat of enigma in its homeland. Despite its obscurity, in recent years, dedicated and passionate winemakers are keen to promote and persevere the Nascetta grape, and it's slowly gaining recognition in the wine community.
Nascetta has its unique challenges when growing. The grape is known for its late budding and early ripening. This often puts the grapes at risk for adverse weather conditions like late spring frosts or early autumn rain. Nevertheless, winemakers who persevere are rewarded with a high-quality and distinctively flavorful grape that can be crafted into exceptional wines.
Though still relatively unknown, Nascetta is a delicious hidden gem for wine lovers keen to explore beyond the mainstream white varieties. Its special aroma, complemented by an ability to age gracefully, makes it a fascinating underdog in the vast world of Italian wines. Today, those in the know applaud these wines for their elegance and complexity, hoping that the Nascetta grape will eventually gain the recognition it truly deserves.
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