RARE GRAPE VARIETAL RESOURCE

History: Asprinio d’Aversa wine is produced in the area of Agro Aversano, in the province of Campania in southern Italy, with grapes coming from a typical tree-like variety of grapevine.

The historical origin of this varietal, among the oldest and most distinctive in Italy, is disputed. Some date it back to the Etruscan era, while others claim it comes from the Norman period. The name “Asprinio” clearly derives from the term “aspro” (asper), referring to the pronounced acidity of its wines, which has always defined its personality.

Asprinio is grown using different trellising systems, depending on what end result is intended (still or sparkling). The Aversana Alberata, is a trellising system where the vines grow next to Poplar trees which, in turn support the vines over the course of the growing season, reaching 10 to 15 meters in height and then strung between the trees – a growing system referred to as Vite Maritate (married ones).To harvest this grape, farmers use very long ladders called Scale Napoletane (Neapolitan ladders) and place the grape clusters in wicker baskets, which are then lowered down with ropes. To keep it fresh, the wine is then stored very deep in caves that are carved into tufa (volcanic origins) soil that provide a constant temperature year round which aids in the typicity of the final product.

Asprinio is also appreciated for its cultivation versatility: it can be used for still, sparkling or spumante wines, always maintaining a marked freshness and flavour. Asprinio grapes are very rich in tartaric and malic acids and have a medium-low sugar content. This combination makes them ideal for producing dry, lively, and very fresh wines, as well as for sparkling wine, where the grape variety excels. Vinification usually takes place in stainless steel at low temperatures, to preserve the delicate aromatic profile and bright acidity. For the sparkling wine version, Asprinio is made using both the Charmat method,  to obtain fragrant and immediate bubbles, and the Classic method, which enhances the mineral complexity and longevity.

Asprinio, officially registered in the National Catalogue of Vine Varieties since 1970, is an extremely vigorous variety (up to 200 kilos of grapes per vine) and is said to be "The best wine in the world to drink with pizza".  - Luigi Veronelli

(Source: Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity – Ark of Taste) https://www.fondazioneslowfood.com/en/ark-of-taste-slow-food/?fwp_arca_settore=wines-and-grape-varietals-en )

(Source: Italian Wine Unplugged – Grape by Grape, 2017; Various Authors, pg.  156)

(Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/ )

(Source: Alta Cucina Inc)

VIVC: http://www.vivc.de/index.php?r=passport%2Fview&id=25079

Parentage: ? & Visparola

Tasting notes: Asprinio wines have a pale straw yellow color with greenish highlights. Its flavor profile, characterized by high acidity, low sugar content, and fine aromas make it one of Southern Italy 's most authentic white varieties, a perfect expression of the climate and volcanic, sandy soils.  The wine always exudes a crisp lemony zing, and is characterized by pretty if very delicate citrusy, green apple, pear, wildflowers, light herbaceous, spicy, and almond notes.

On the palate, they are dry and sharp, with great flavor tension, lively acidity, and a savory, citrusy finish. The sparkling versions express a fine and persistent foam, with a clean and dry taste, perfectly balanced by a mineral vein reminiscent of tuff and the sea. The still versions, on the other hand, show greater softness and roundness, while maintaining their typical freshness. Asprinio produces wines that are ready to drink but also capable of evolving elegantly, developing notes of almond, honey and flint over time.  (Courtesy of: https://www.quattrocalici.it/)  

Food pairings: It has a fresh and unique taste that makes it adaptable with an extraordinary gastronomic vocation, perfect with raw seafood, fried fish, buffalo mozzarella, and traditional Campania dishes. In its essential authenticity, Asprinio represents one of the purest expressions of volcanic viticulture in Southern Italy .

Production areas:  Mostly Asprinio di Aversa DOC

Producers: https://www.autoctovino.com/grape/ragusano-asprinio-slow-food/

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