Passerina del Frusinate

Passerina is an autochthonous white grape hailing from the Adriatic coast of Italy. The majority are found in Marche region but also in other regions of central Italy- Abruzzo, Emilia-Romagna and Lazio.

One belief is that the name is derived from the sweet grapes were devoured by sparrow’s (Passera) and “ina” meaning small for the small size of the grapes, hence the name. The style of the wine varies greatly by region but in general it can make a variety of styles of wine be it still, sparkling or even sweet.

Meet an interesting example of this grape from Alberto Giacobbe. A family winery founded in 1939, the 15 acre Azienda Agricola Giacobbe utilizes 9 acres for wine and the remaining for olives and other crops. Their bond with the land, history and tradition are what keeps them focused - case in point this wine Maddalena is named after and dedicated to Alberto’s grandmother. Sustainable, indigenous varietals and 100% environmentally conscious. The 300m altitude, a mix of clay and limestone soils, the use of indigenous yeasts, the extended skin contact for 6-7 days, followed by temperature controlled stainless steel tanks 8-9 months of lees ageing all contribute to this unique skin contact wine’s character, acidity and flavor profile.

Alberto Giacobbe

Passerina del Frusinate IGT “Maddalena” 2019

Lazio IGT, Italy

13.5%

2 500 bottles produced

Pours into the glass a deep golden color with an orange tinge.

Swirl and strong notes of ripe citrus and tropical fruit emerge along with a soft herbal honey and earthy minerals.

Sip and the soft, creamy texture is wrapped up with bone dry, low tannins and good, lively acidity. Freshly picked green apples and pears, green mango, lemon and orange pith, marmalade, hay into the herbal thyme and burnt caramel slightly bitter almond skin that lingers for quite awhile. 

Pair with butternut squash ginger soup, curried shrimp bundles or goat cheese thyme stuffed chicken.