Erbaluce
A Piedmontese white grape used for dry and sweet wines.
Erbaluce is a white wine grape grown primarily in the Piedmont region around Caluso, in Canavese. It is used for both dry table wines and sweet wines with deep golden coloring, such as passito. The grape has a long history in Piedmont, with the first written record dating to 1606, and likely originated in the alpine hills of northern Piedmont.
Quick Facts
- Species
- Vitis vinifera
- Also called
- See list of synonyms
- Origin
- Italy
- Regions
- Piedmont
Facts from the source article.
Did You Know?
- DNA profiling in the 21st century determined that Erbaluce has a close genetic relationship with Cascarolo bianco, though the exact nature is not yet known.
- Erbaluce is also known under synonyms including Alba Lucenti, Bianchera, Greco Novarese, and Vernazza di Gattinara.
Wines
Wines from Erbaluce are typically dry with noticeable acidity. This acidity makes the grape well suited for sweet wine production, while dry styles require considerable fruit to balance it. Both dry and sweet versions often show apple aromas and flavors. Since the 1990s, Piedmontese producers have worked to improve Erbaluce wine quality to compete with Cortese and Arneis. Erbaluce di Caluso holds DOCG status.
More in White Wine Grape Varieties from Italy
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