The grape variety Aleatico

Aleatico is a distinctive red grape variety renowned for its highly aromatic character, most notably found in central Italy, particularly in regions such as Tuscany, Lazio, and Puglia. It is also cultivated on the island of Elba and, to a lesser extent, in parts of Corsica and Australia. The grape exhibits an enticing bouquet, offering pronounced notes of rose petal, lychee, red cherry, wild berries, and subtle hints of spice. On the palate, Aleatico wines are typically medium-bodied, balancing fresh acidity with a moderate level of tannins. They often display a natural sweetness, even in dry styles, which enhances their fragrant and delicate fruit profile.

Aleatico is most celebrated for its sweet, passito-style wines—in particular, the famed Aleatico dell’Elba Passito DOCG, which is made from sun-dried grapes to intensify richness and aromatic concentration. Dry and sparkling versions also exist but are less common. These wines pair elegantly with fruit-based desserts, almond pastries, and blue cheeses, where the wine’s aromatic profile and gentle tannins complement both sweetness and savoury depth. Additionally, lightly chilled Aleatico can be a refreshing partner to summer berry tarts or even duck with cherry sauce, accentuating both the dish and the wine’s floral, perfumed nature.