Elba Aleatico Passito wines are a prime example of Tuscany's stylistic diversity. This sweet red wine style is made from dried (passito) Aleatico grapes grown on the small island of Elba, just off the Tuscan coast. It was awarded its own DOCG classification in 2010.
Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea, the Isle of Elba has one of the longest-established viticultural histories in Tuscany, as far back as the time of the Etruscans. In ancient times it was described by the great philosopher Pliny the Elder as 'insula vini ferax – the island that produces a lot of wine'. It was also a particular favorite of Napoleon during his period of exile on the island. He remarked that 'the inhabitants of Elba are strong and healthy because the wine of their island gives them strength and good health'.
Elba Aleatico Passito is Elba's flagship wine style, and one of the rare gems in Tuscany’s crown. This rich rarity, with its distinct mulberry bouquet, is carefully crafted from Aleatico grapes which have been left on the vines as long as possible, then dried for an average of two weeks on wooden racks before being crushed and pressed. The end result is a wine that is fairly high in alcohol but maintains good levels of acidity. These characteristics make it a particularly age-worthy wine.
