The Wine
Grechetto is becoming Umbria’s leading white varietal grape, breaking out of its role as a blending grape in the wines of Orvietto and taking center stage. This wine is a blend of two types of Grechetto – the Todi and the Orvieto – in equal proportions. This renaissance of a grape once relegated to the blending role has only been possible because of growers like Leonardo, who has become the flag bearer for Grechetto by nurturing the grape like the star he knew it could be – sustainable farming, yield reduction and meticulous winemaking (his production facility literally looks as if it could double as an operating theater).
Leonardo believes this wine will hold its own in a blind tasting when put up against the world’s top white wines. The wine delivers distinct acidity (refreshing crispness) that is nicely balanced by rich notes of tree fruit (apples, pears, peaches…) and citrus aromas and flavors, with a nutty finish (almonds, hazelnuts).
Pairs well with complex fish dishes, shellfish, chicken piccata and a wide variety of cheeses, though this wine’s flavor profile bridges particularly well with those of fresh cheeses made from the milk of goats or sheep.
The Winery
Winemaker Leonardo Bussoletti was born and raised in the small Italian town of Narni. It’s history dates back to the Roman era, when it was called Narnia – and it’s where C.S. Lewis was when he got the inspiration for his book, the Chronicles of Narnia. For over 25 years, Leonardo Bussoletti has been growing and nurturing the classic native grape varieties of Umbria: Ciliegiolo, Grechetto, Trebbiano Spoletino and several different Malvasias.
Driven by his desire to protect and promote the heritage of these grape varieties and their historical importance for his beloved region of Umbria. All his wines are made according to 2 basic principles: practice certified organic and sustainable farming and artisanal fermentations with native yeasts (using thepied de cuvee method). All his wines express the unique varietal character and their interaction with the climate and soils of Umbria.
Bussoletti’s beautiful new winery facility is located near the medieval hilltop town of Narni (orNarnia in Latin), which gave C.S.Lewis the inspiration for his famous fantasy novel The Chronicles of Narnia. The Ciliegiolo grape, now quite rare, has been grown around Narni for centuries, its importance and historical relevance are protected by theNarni Ciliegiolo IGT appellation.
Bussolettis ASLA label celebrates Ciliegiolos historical presence around this town, and it is a homage to Aslan, the main character in the Chronicles of Narnia.
