Asprinio Bianco is a productive white wine grape native to Italy where it is grown in Campania, Puglia and Basilicata. Its name derives from ‘aspro’, from the Latin ‘asper’ or tart, an attribute that makes Asprinio ideal for sparkling wines like Asprinio d’Aversa DOC Spumante.
Where grown: Campania: Asprinio is found mainly north of Naples, in the area around Caserta across 22 municipalities within the Asprinio d’Aversa DOC. The latter has long enjoyed grand cru status for Asprinio. |Puglia and Basilicata: Asprinio is also found in these two regions.
Viticulture: Asprinio looks and behaves like a wild vine species. Its extreme vigour means it can climb 20-metre high trees. The training system used for it is called ‘alberate’ from ‘albero’ or tree (not to be confused with alberello).
Yields: Asprinio can produce up to 200 kilos of grapes per vine.
Wine style: Asprinio produces very light, lemony, high-acid wine (averaging alcohol levels of 10% and total acidity of 7,5 grams per litre). Asprinio’s high natural acidity makes its suitable for sparkling wines such as DOC Asprinio d’Aversa Spumante. The wine also shows almond notes.
Wines
Asprinio d’Aversa DOC. | Asprinio d’Aversa Spumante DOC.
Bibliography
Ian D’Agata, Native Wine Grapes of Italy (University of California Press, 2014).