Glera

Glera is a white grape variety native to north-eastern Italy, best known as the main ingredient of the famous Prosecco. With a history whose roots go back to ancient Rome, Glera is today grown mainly in Veneto and Friuli Venezia Giulia, where it finds the ideal conditions to express its characteristics at their best.

Characteristics of the Glera Grape Variety

Agronomic Aspects

  • Origin: Indigenous to north-eastern Italy, with historical mentions dating back to Roman times.
  • Climate: It prefers temperate climates, with good day-night temperature swings.
  • Soil: It adapts well to clay, limestone and hillside soils.

Grape Characteristics

  • Berry: Medium-large in size, with a thin skin and a golden yellow colour.
  • Aromatic profile: Fresh, with notes of fruit and white flowers.

Wines Made from the Glera Grape Variety

Colour

  • Whites: Bright straw yellow with greenish highlights.

Aromas

  • Fruity: Notes of green apple, pear, white peach and citrus.
  • Floral: Hints of white flowers such as acacia and wisteria.
  • Mineral: Light savouriness, especially in the wines from hillside soils.

Palate

  • Fresh and lively: Thanks to its balanced acidity.
  • Light and harmonious: With a delicate body and an elegant mousse in the sparkling wines.

Production Areas

Italy

  • Veneto: The heart of production, particularly in the hills between Conegliano and Valdobbiadene.
  • Friuli Venezia Giulia: An important complementary area for Prosecco production.

Food Pairings

Sparkling Wines

  • Starters: Fish crostini, salmon tartare, oysters.
  • Seafood Dishes: Sushi, sashimi, grilled squid.
  • Fried food: Vegetable tempura, mixed fried fish.

Still or Sparkling Wines

  • First Courses: Pasta with vegetables, lemon risotto.
  • Light Main Courses: Chicken salads, grilled vegetables.

Why Choose Glera?

Glera is a byword for freshness, elegance and versatility. Perfect for making refined sparkling wines such as Prosecco, it is ideal for toasts and convivial occasions, but it also suits light, fresh dishes, making it a grape variety that symbolises the Italian tradition.

Glera: My personal top three

  • 1
    Colle 170 2023 - La Vigna di Sarah

    Colle 170 2023 - La Vigna di Sarah

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Italy, Valdobbiadene, Veneto
    Discover this wine
  • 2
    Rive di Farra di Soligo Col Credas 2021 - Adami

    Rive di Farra di Soligo Col Credas 2021 - Adami

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Italy, Valdobbiadene, Veneto
    Discover this wine
  • 3
    Ca’Val Rive di Col San Martino 2023 - Cantina Produttori di Valdobbiadene

    Ca’Val Rive di Col San Martino 2023 - Cantina Produttori di Valdobbiadene

    • Type: Sparkling wine or Champagne
    • Region: Italy, Valdobbiadene, Veneto
    Discover this wine

All those I have tried