Today’s post is about an indigenous variety that hails from the province of Verona. It’s Oseleta which can be used in the blends that become Valpolicella, Ripasso, Amarone, and Recioto. Oseleta brings body, tannin, and color to the blend but doesn’t produce all that much fruit. That said, this rare variety is being used by some producers instead of Molinara.

Oseleta means little bird in the local dialect. It only grows in this region. I learned about this most Veronese grape from Marilisa Allegrini in 2011. Apparently however it was the Masi estate that recouped this variety and has been responsible for bringing it back to life. They even make a monovarietal wine from it called Osar. I have never tried this wine but will bring to look for it when I am back on track.

Oseleta is also good for appassimento or drying and therefore can be used for Ripasso, Amarone and Recioto.

Looking forward to my next visit to Verona for Vinitaly in the Spring.