Jump on a captivating journey with us this month, as we celebrate the glamour of indigenous wine grape varieties! Our weekly focus is on the Barbarossa, Colorino and Canaiolo grapes, settled in the heart of Central Italy. Immerse yourself in the enchanting tales behind these extraordinary grapes and explore the bottles of Fattoria Paradiso and Ascione-Alongi wineries. Their exceptional wines, born from the essence of these indigenous grapes, will guide you into a sensory adventure like no other. Cheers to a new exploration, wine lovers!🍷

Barbarossa Grape

Barbarossa is the name of the Italian wine grape variety found in the vineyards of central Italy, southeast France and the Corsican landscape. It is known for its red or pink hues and it has a special connection to history. According to legend of Emilia-Romagna, the grape name “Barbarossa” itself, translating to “red beard” in Italian, is earned from the red-bearded Holy Roman Emperor Frederick I, also known as Frederick Barbarossa. The Barbarossa wine grape variety produces medium-bodied, fruity red wines. In the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region lies a treasure, a hundred-year-old vineyard owned by Fattoria Paradiso. Here, the Barbarossa vines give life to a varietal example of the grape, crafting an extraordinary wine called Forlì Barbarossa Lo Spungone. Intense ruby red wine, it is warm and harmonious to the nose, with notes of black cherry and mulberry followed by anise and licorice. It pairs well with roasted meat, lamb and game.

Fattoria Paradiso Forlì Barbarossa Lo Spungone (2022)

$204.00 front line ($17.00 per btl)

$192.00 on 2 cases ($16.00 per btl)

$168.00 on 3 cases ($14.00 per btl)



Colorino Grape ²

Colorino is an Italian red wine grape variety, primarily cultivated in Tuscany and Umbria regions. This indigenous grape holds a unique role in winemaking: Colorino, in fact, is strategically employed to enhance the color and structure of wines. Renowned for its small berries with elevated tannin levels and deeply pigmented skin, in Tuscany the grape gained substantial attention from winemakers in 1980. However, as the 21st century progressed, the allure of Colorino waned, relegating it to a minor role in Tuscan wines. Food pairings for Colorino wines include confit duck, spinach-stuffed roasted veal and pork rillettes. A notable example of this indigenous grape variety is the Ascione-Alongi Colorino wine, a great representation of Tuscan winemaking tradition. With remarkable notes of spice, dark and fresh fruits, this wine stands out for its intensity and distinctiveness, making it a perfect choice for savoring on its own or pairing with robust red meats.

Ascione-Alongi Toscana Colorino (2021)

$240.00 front line ($20.00 per btl)

$228.00 on 2 cases ($19.00 per btl)

$192.00 on 3 cases ($16.00 per btl)

Canaiolo Grape ¹

Canaiolo, a black-skinned wine grape variety, held a prominent role as the primary component in the Chianti blend until the late 19th century. Today, it thrives in Tuscany, constituting 90 percent of the total plantings in the region. Known for producing a mellow wine with aromatic notes and soft tannins, Canaiolo has the ability to dry without rotting. Winemakers discovered that a ferment prematurely halted by cold weather, could be revitalized by adding semi-dried Canaiolo grapes to the tank. The additional sugar from the semi-dried grapes reinitiates fermentation, saving the harvest. Canaiolo's perfect pairings include lamb kofta in tahini sauce, pasta with wild boar and mushroom ragu and herbed crust skirt steak. Ascione-Alongi Canaiolo stands out as a "ready-to-serve" wine celebrated for its versatility on the table. With a floral profile and tannic texture smoothly integrated with the fruit, it can be an ideal match for rich Tuscan dishes, several pasta types and meats, particularly white meats. Its attributes make it a delightful choice for convivial dinners.

Ascione-Alongi Toscana Canaiolo (2021)

$240.00 front line ($20.00 per btl)

$228.00 on 2 cases ($19.00 per btl)

$192.00 on 3 cases ($16.00 per btl)

1 Photo credit: Ursula Brühl, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI) Bundesforschungsinstitut für Kulturpflanzen Institut für Rebenzüchtung Geilweilerhof - 76833 Siebeldingen – GERMANY

2 Photo credit: Civilta' del Bere