It is time for a bit of sweetness…and Lazio produces a very interesting and little known sweet wine: the Aleatico di Gradoli.

This wine is produced with 100% of Aleatico grape cultivated in the Northern part of Lazio, the area called Tuscia, but also in Tuscany, Umbria and Puglia. The DOC appellation was created in 1972 and covers various towns around Gradoli on the shores of the Bolsena lake.

Here the soil is volcanic and there is an important breeze coming from the lake that creates a peculiar mesoclimate, which is particularly relevant for the wine’s characteristics.

This is a very small production that managed to survive thanks to the stubborn vine growers of the local cooperative, that managed to let the grape and the wine survive against all odds.

The wine is beautifully dark red, deep and thick. The nose shows intense notes of red fruits especially sour cherries in jam.

The mouth is warm and soft, velvety and rich. It’s sweetness matches perfectly the local patisserie.

Unfortunately it is not easy to be found out of the area, so you will really have to go for a walk around the lake of Bolsena to enjoy it, and believe me…it will be absolutely worth it!