RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Garofanata is an extremely rare white grape variety deeply rooted in the winemaking history almost exclusively in the southern Marche region, with its main areas in Offida, Ripatransone, Montalto delle Marche, and Cossignano and the surrounding municipalities of the Piceno hinterland.

Its origins are ancient but poorly documented: 19th-century agricultural sources mention a "garofanata grape" characterized by intense, spicy aromas, likely alluding to the distinctive scent of fresh cloves that seems to have given the variety its name. For a long time, Garofanata survived in small family plots or in mixed vineyards, a phenomenon typical of sharecropping viticulture in the Marche region. The variety risked extinction during the 20th century; being revived in an old vineyard in the municipality of Corinaldo (Marche, province of Ancona) in 1962, by breeder Bruno Bruni.

Outside of Marche, the variety is virtually absent, confirming its strictly territorial character.

Garofanata grapes produce musts with good acidity, moderate sugar content and a delicate yet recognizable aromatic profile. Vinification almost always takes place in stainless steel, with gentle pressing and low-temperature fermentation to preserve freshness and fragrance. Oak is rarely used, as it risks masking the varietal finesse. Garofanata wines have a pale straw yellow color with greenish highlights.

The Garofanata grape variety has officially been registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 2012 (Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/ )

VIVC: https://vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=24957

Parentage: Famoso Marchigiano & ?

Tasting notes: The grape offers an aromatic palette of white flowers, freesia, chamomile, and light spices (cloves, anise), sometimes accompanied by subtle herbaceous notes. The nose reveals clear aromas of white flowers, freesia, chamomile and a distinctive spicy note reminiscent of cloves, a distinctive trait of the grape variety. On the palate, they are fresh, subtle, and harmonious, with lively acidity, light-to-medium body, and a clean, aromatic finish. These wines are not structured, but they express a pleasant everyday elegance and a strong territorial identity. (Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)

Food pairings: It is typically described as soft, ample, persistent, and fresh, making it an excellent pairing for various dishes such as delicate fish, marinated fish appetizers, Italian antipasti and olive-oil-rich dishes. It pairs well with lighter, fragrant, or vegetable-based pasta dishes and complements light, non-saucy, or gently roasted white meats.

Production area: Marche IGT Bianco Garofanata.

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/garofanata/

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