The Grechetto Rosso grape is an indigenous variety of central Italy, mainly cultivated in Umbria and some areas of Marche. Its origins are ancient and closely tied to the winemaking tradition of the region, where it is also known by the name Greghetto Rosso.
The Grechetto Rosso grape originates from Lazio and is primarily cultivated in the province of Viterbo, where it is often simply called “Grechetto.” However, there are no relations with the more famous white grape Grechetto, which is indigenous to Umbria, and it has been found to be genetically similar to Sangiovese. Grechetto Rosso is currently grown on the hills surrounding Lake Bolsena, about 80 km north of Rome. These hills include some of the northern Lazio DOCs, including the region’s oldest and most famous, the Est! Est!! Est!!! di Montefiascone DOC. However, only a few regulations mandate the use of Grechetto Rosso, notably the Colli Etruschi Viterbesi DOC and several IGTs between Lazio and Umbria. Nevertheless, Grechetto Rosso remains a rare grape variety, and this type of wine is very difficult to find on the market.
Agronomically, Grechetto Rosso is a variety that shows good disease resistance and moderate drought tolerance. The vines are vigorous and productive, with medium-sized clusters and thick-skinned berries that contribute to their resistance to mold and rot. Harvest generally takes place towards the end of September when the grapes reach full phenolic ripeness.
Enologically, Grechetto Rosso is appreciated for its ability to produce intensely ruby-red wines characterized by complex aromas ranging from ripe red fruits to sweet spices. On the palate, wines made from this grape are structured, with soft tannins and good acidity, providing freshness and longevity. Grechetto Rosso is often vinified in purity but can also be used in blends to add body and complexity to other wines.
The distinctive features of Grechetto Rosso wine include a good aging capacity, thanks to its tannic structure and aromatic complexity. These wines can positively evolve over time, developing tertiary notes of leather, tobacco, and chocolate while maintaining the freshness of red fruits.
In Italy, Grechetto Rosso is mainly cultivated in Umbria, where it contributes to the production of high-quality wines in various controlled designations of origin (DOC), such as Colli Martani DOC and Torgiano DOC. In Marche, it is used in some local DOCs, although its presence is less widespread compared to Umbria.
The Colli Etruschi Viterbesi DOC also includes a varietal type Colli Etruschi Viterbesi Grechetto Rosso, available in sparkling, frizzante, and novello forms. Grechetto Rosso is considered a local clone of Sangiovese, although this has not yet been confirmed by DNA tests. Locally used synonyms for Grechetto Rosso include Grecherello, Strozza Volpe, Pulce, Uva di San Marino, and Pulcincolo.
