Aleatico is an ancient aromatic black grape variety, traditionally thought to have been introduced from Greece and documented for centuries in Italian viticulture. Its historical presence is particularly significant in Tuscany, where it has found one of its most representative terroirs on the Island of Elba, but it is also grown in Lazio, particularly in the Gradoli area, and in Puglia, where it is used in the production of Aleatico di Puglia. The vine has medium-sized leaves, generally pentagonal and either three-lobed or five-lobed, with a green upper surface and a slightly downy underside; the bunch is medium-sized, elongated, cylindrical or conical, often featuring one or two wings. The berry, spherical and of medium size, has a pruinose skin of an intense blue-violet colour, juicy flesh and a characteristic Muscat flavour. The wine is distinguished by its deep ruby-red colour, often enhanced by violet hues, and by a broad aromatic profile in which rose, violet, wild strawberry, cherry, raspberry and delicate spicy notes come to the fore. The structure is soft and enveloping, underpinned by a pleasant freshness and a fine tannic texture. Particularly renowned in its passito version, it produces sweet, persistent wines capable of evolving with elegance, developing over time hints of ripe fruit, spices and jam. Of particular note is the Elba Aleatico Passito DOCG designation, produced from dried grapes and which has become one of the most distinguished expressions of the grape variety.
