Greco

Greco is an Italian wine grape that may be of Greek origin. The name relates to both white (Greco bianco) and black (Greco nero) grape varieties. While there is more land area dedicated to Greco nero, the Greco bianco is the grape most commonly referred to by “Greco”. In the Campania region it is used to produce the denominazione di origine controllata e garantita (DOCG) wine Greco di Tufo. In Calabria, it is used to make the denominazione di origine controllata (DOC) wine Greco di Bianco. The Greco bianco vine tends to mature very late in the grapevine’s growing season and is prone to the viticultural hazards of downy and powdery mildew. Ampelographers distinguish the vine based on its characteristic “winged” clusters. After veraison the grapes turn a golden-grey colour. The phenolic compounds in the grape contribute to the wine’s characteristically deep colour. Greco bianco wines are noted for their aromatic qualities with some wine experts, such as Jancis Robinson, describing the wines as being vaguely similar to Viognier. Some aromas commonly associated with the grape include peaches and fresh green foliage. With age, Greco wines can develop more herbal notes.
Greco bianco is most widely found in southern Italy where it is featured in several DOC. In 2006, it numbered less than 1,000 hectares (2,500 acres) of the varieties planted.