The Greco Bianco grape is one of the most praised Italian indigenous grapes, especially in the southern regions of Campania and Calabria. With a history dating back over 2,500 years, it is believed to have been introduced to Italy by the Greeks, hence its name. Known for its distinctive "winged" clusters and golden-yellow berries, Greco Bianco produces wines characterized by their fruity aromas, lively acidity, and notes of citrus fruits, white flowers, and subtle minerality. This grape variety has survived through centuries, including a period of near extinction post-World War II, and has been revitalized through the efforts of family winemakers and heritage projects.
Greco Bianco is one of the Italian indigenous grape varieties that saw a renaissance in the last Century. While you might think it’s related to the well-known Greco grape, given its name, they’re actually distinct varieties. In Calabria, locals know it as Pecorello Bianco, and it’s the foundation of several distinguished DOC wines. Most notably, it creates the exceptional Greco di Bianco DOC dessert wine, along with notable appearances in Melissa DOC and Terre di Cosenza DOC wines. The historical significance of Greco Bianco can be compared to other traditional Italian blends like the Chianti blend, which has evolved over time but remains a cornerstone of Italian wine heritage.
Let's be clear about one thing: while many Italian grapes claim Greek ancestry, Greco Bianco is authentically southern Italian. It has flourished in Calabria's vineyards for centuries, developing its own distinct identity separate from other "Greco" varieties. Its legacy is deeply intertwined with southern Italian winemaking traditions, earning its own DOC classifications through consistent quality and character.
Like other white grapes such as Pinot Gris (in Italy known as Pinot Grigio), Greco Bianco is a versatile grape that produces a wide range of wines:
Pinot Noir, much like Greco Bianco, holds historical significance in its native region of Burgundy, where its best expressions are often found.
Greco Bianco makes fantastic dry white wines known for their bright acidity and rich flavours. These wines come from regions like Campania, Calabria, and Apulia.
Greco Bianco also shines in sweet wines, especially in Calabria.
Though less common, Greco Bianco is also used for sparkling wines in some DOC regions.
When you examine a Greco Bianco wine, you'll notice a spectrum of colours ranging from bright yellow to deep gold, depending on the winemaking style. The distinguished Greco di Bianco DOC presents a particularly striking amber hue, achieved through the traditional passito method of partially drying the grapes before vinification.
The aromatic profile of Greco Bianco is both sophisticated and inviting. In its standard expressions, you'll discover a harmonious blend of stone fruits, particularly white peaches, accompanied by delicate floral notes and fresh citrus. The Greco di Bianco DOC dessert wine offers an even more complex bouquet - expect concentrated aromas of candied citrus peel, rich lemon curd, toasted almonds, peach and fresh honey.
Greco Bianco demonstrates remarkable versatility in its flavour expressions. The dry styles deliver a refreshing combination of bright fruit, subtle florals, and precise citrus and herbal notes throughout. The dessert wines, particularly the Greco di Bianco DOC, present a more opulent experience with their velvety texture and concentrated flavours of dried fruits, preserved citrus, and flowing honey. With age, these wines develop additional complexity through subtle herbal nuances, showcasing the grape's ability to evolve beautifully over time.
The history of Greco Bianco goes back 2500 years ago. The name itself offers immediate insight into its heritage - a direct connection to the ancient Greek settlers who established viticulture along southern Italy's coastline.
The origins of Greco di Bianco are steeped in fascinating historical records. Documents tell us of a distinguished "white Greek vine," celebrated for its quality over quantity, which made its journey from Greece to Italy in the 8th Century BC. You can still visit its first Italian home today at Capo Bruzzano (formerly the Zefirio promontory) in Calabria. A particularly compelling historical note recounts how Castor and Pollux, divine emissaries of Apollo, drew strength from this wine during their legendary battle against the Crotonians in 560 BC.
The development of the grape in Italy started in the 8th Century BC when Pelasgian settlers from Thessaly brought their prized vines to Italian soil. In both Campania and Calabria, Greco Bianco established itself as a cornerstone of the country's ancient wine industry. During the Roman era, these wines achieved notable prestige, and evidence suggests they were likely components of renowned Roman "cult wines" such as Falernian and Aminean.
The 20th Century presented significant challenges for Greco Bianco, as it did for many southern Italian varieties. The impact of war on the vineyards, combined with widespread urban migration, led to a critical decline in cultivation. By the 1960s, Greco di Bianco production had reached alarmingly low levels, threatening the variety's survival.
The 1960s marked a pivotal turning point, as local agricultural cooperatives in Bianco, Calabria, initiated concentrated preservation efforts. Their dedication culminated in 1980 with the awarding of DOC status to Greco di Bianco, formally recognizing its significance among Calabria's premier wines.
The preservation of this variety owes much to dedicated family winemakers and heritage projects. Notable figures such as Antonio Mastroberardino and Feudi di San Gregorio emerged as champions of local grape varieties and traditional Italian winemaking. Their commitment has ensured that this exceptional piece of Italian wine heritage continues to thrive.
Today, when you encounter a bottle of Greco Bianco, you're not just discovering a wine - you're experiencing a living connection to over two millennia of Italian wine culture.
Because Greco Bianco vines have moderate vigour and grow upright, they benefit from specific training techniques:
Greco Bianco flourishes in different regions of southern Italy, each offering distinct conditions that shape this remarkable white grape's expression. These areas does not focus in international varieties like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon. Instead, the most widely planted grapes are indigenous varieties.
You'll also discover Greco Bianco's presence in other significant Calabrian appellations - Bivongi DOC, Lamezia DOC, and Savuto DOC - where it harmoniously blends with indigenous varieties like Mantonico Bianco and Gaglioppo.
As the wine industry continues to evolve, Greco Bianco is poised to benefit from several emerging trends and developments that could enhance its prospects and expand its reach.
Many producers are responsible for today's renaissance of Greco Bianco in Italy. Among the most important producers, Petilia, Benito Ferrara, Feudi di San Gregorio and Antonio Mastroberardino stand out.
Greco Bianco has earned a special place in the Italian wine heritage. This remarkable grape has thrived for over 2,500 years since Greek settlers first brought it to Italian shores, and it continues to captivate wine enthusiasts today.
Across southern Italy, you'll find unique expressions of Greco Bianco. In Calabria, it is the phenom behind the celebrated Greco di Bianco DOC dessert wines, known for their richness and complexity. In Campania, you will find the prestigious Greco di Tufo DOCG, dry wines that rank among Italy's finest. In Apulia, it shows its versatility in Gravina DOC's refined blends.
We owe much of Greco Bianco's current success to the passionate producers who recognized its value. Petilia brings innovation to traditional methods, Benito Ferrara captures the essence of terroir, Feudi di San Gregorio champions indigenous varieties, and Antonio Mastroberardino's visionary work helped preserve this grape for future generations.
But what makes Greco Bianco truly remarkable is how it connects us to Italy's wine heritage. Each bottle tells a story that spans centuries - from ancient Roman enthusiasm to modern winemaking excellence. So. when you open a bottle of Greco Bianco, you're not just tasting wine; you're experiencing a living piece of Italian wine culture.
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