Albana is a white grape variety from the Emilia-Romagna region in Italy. It is most famous for its use in the dessert wine Albana di Romagna, which was the first in Italy to obtain the superior DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) classification. The Albana grape is known for its versatility and is capable of producing a range of wine styles, from dry and sparkling wines to sweet passito-style dessert wines.
The grape produces wines that are rich in aromas, often featuring notes of stone fruits like peaches, floral undertones, and a characteristic hint of almonds in the finish. In the case of passito-style wines, the grapes are typically left to overripe and they develop sweet and rich flavors of honey, dried peaches and apricots. The grape shows good acidity which adds balance in pairing with the sweet and fruity character of the wines.
The Albana vine itself is quite hardy, adaptable to various climate conditions and resistant to common grape diseases, making it a reliable choice for winemakers.
