El Griso 2020 – Amber Wine from Old Indigenous Red Varieties | Agricola Castellani

El Griso is the most distinctive and emblematic wine we produce. Made from ancient red grape varieties native to the Lake Garda area, these grapes naturally have low pigmentation, resulting in a striking amber wine with incredible depth and finesse. Sourced from old vineyards and dried for 40 days, the wine is then fermented on the skins and aged for 36 months in oak barrels. This is a wine that bridges tradition and innovation, crafted with deep respect for the land and time.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Deep amber with copper highlights and natural haziness.
Aroma: Complex and evolving, with notes of dried orange, tea leaf, rose petal, forest floor, and subtle spice.
Palate: Structured and layered with gentle tannins, savory minerality, and a long fresh finish. Elegant yet powerful, meditative yet vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

El Griso is a contemplative wine, ideal with aged alpine cheeses, smoked fish, game, or wild mushroom dishes. Its versatility also shines in pairings with aromatic cuisines. Serve at 14–16°C and decant for full expression.

Winemaking Process

The grapes come from rare, old red varieties local to the Lake Garda area—historically used but now seldom seen. After being hand-harvested, they undergo natural drying for 40 days to concentrate their flavors. Despite being red, the varieties give minimal color, resulting in a unique amber hue. The wine ferments on the skins, then ages in wood barrels for 36 months before being bottled without filtration.
Every bottle is a tribute to forgotten grapes and slow, purposeful winemaking.

Why You'll Love It

• One-of-a-kind amber wine from red grapes

• Made with rare indigenous varieties and old vines

• 40-day drying process (appassimento) for concentration

• 36 months oak aging for depth and texture

• Unfiltered and naturally expressive