The Picolit grape is a white Italian grape variety predominantly grown in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of northeast Italy. Owing to the grape's history which dates back to the 18th century, it is considered one of Italy's noble wine varieties.
The Picolit grape is characterised by its small tight clusters of deep-golden, ellipsoid berries. Its small, thin-skinned grapes are prized for their propensity to develop 'noble rot', a condition which results in exceptionally sweet and concentrated wine. It's primarily used in the production of dessert wines, specifically one bearing its name, Picolit.
The wine produced from the Picolit grape is recognisable by its luscious golden hue and appealing viscosity. It typically carries a magnificent bouquet, boasting aromatic notes of white flowers, wild honey, ripe peach, apricot, and almonds underscored by a refreshing mineral streak. Its high acidity keeps its immense sweetness well in balance, rendering the wine lively and vibrant.
Due to the vine’s natural inclination towards low yields and inconsistent fruit set, Picolit wine tends to be made only in very small quantities, making it somewhat rare and distinctly valuable. It's well-regarded for its ability to age and evolve with grace, with mature bottles taking on remarkable complexity.
Finally, the Picolit grape carries the prestigious acknowledgment of a DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita), Italy's highest classification of wine. This illustrates the great quality and reputation associated with wines made from the Picolit grape.
In short, the Picolit grape, despite its challenging nature, forms the backbone of some of Italy's most enchanting and celebrated sweet wines. It's a testament to the Italian vintner's mastery of the art of wine-making, and a real treasure for those with a fondness for the sweeter side of Italian wine.
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