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Greco di Bianco is a sweet white wine produced in the Calabria region of Southern Italy. It is made from the Greco Bianco grape that has been late harvested and dried to concentrate the sugars.
The wine is golden yellow to amber in color. The aromas typically feature ripe or dried fruit such as fig and apricot, often with honey or caramel notes. On the palate, it is sweet, full-bodied and viscous, with a smooth, long finish. Despite its sweetness, Greco di Bianco has a good balance of acidity which prevents the wine from being overly cloying.
The winemaking process involves the grapes being left on the plant until they're partially dried and shriveled. They're then harvested and placed on racks to continue drying indoors for several weeks. This method, known as 'appassimento', results in much of the water evaporating, leaving behind concentrated sugars and flavours. The grapes are then pressed and fermented.
The wine is typically aged for a minimum of two years before being released. Some styles may be aged in oak barrels to impart additional complexity. Despite the aging process, most Greco di Bianco wines do not have significant longevity and are best consumed within a few years of the vintage.
Greco di Bianco pairs well with a variety of desserts, rich cheeses and pâtés. Its high sugar content also makes it a good match for spicy foods. It is often served slightly chilled to enhance its refreshing qualities.
In 2004, the wine was assigned Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC) status, Italy's second highest category of wine quality, which regulates production methods and guarantees the geographic authenticity of the wine.
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