Trebbiano

What Is Trebbiano?

Trebbiano is not one grape but a family of white varieties grown all over central and northern Italy, and together they are among the most planted white grapes in the country. They make fresh, crisp whites, from simple everyday wines to some of Italy's most unusual age-worthy whites, and they are a key ingredient of Tuscan Vin Santo.

The name covers several unrelated or only distantly related grapes. The most widespread is Trebbiano Toscano, known in France as Ugni Blanc, the main grape of Cognac. Trebbiano d'Abruzzo is a distinct variety. Trebbiano di Soave and Turbiana (the grape of Lugana) are close relatives of Verdicchio, while Trebbiano Romagnolo and Trebbiano Spoletino are separate local varieties.

Where Trebbiano Grows

• Tuscany and Umbria: Trebbiano Toscano is used in white blends, in Orvieto and in Vin Santo. Historically it was even part of the Chianti blend.
• Abruzzo: Trebbiano d'Abruzzo makes the region's classic white, from simple everyday wines to rare, long-lived bottles.
• Lake Garda: Turbiana is the grape of Lugana, on the border between Lombardy and Veneto.
• Veneto: Trebbiano di Soave may be blended with Garganega in Soave.
• Emilia-Romagna: Trebbiano Romagnolo makes light, everyday whites.
• Umbria: Trebbiano Spoletino, around Spoleto and Montefalco, makes aromatic, structured whites.

Trebbiano and Italian Denominations

• Trebbiano d'Abruzzo DOC: Abruzzo's main white denomination.
• Lugana DOC: creamy, citrusy whites from Turbiana.
• Soave DOC: Garganega-based, with Trebbiano di Soave as a possible partner.
• Orvieto DOC: Umbria's classic white blend of Trebbiano and Grechetto.
• Toscana IGT, Umbria IGT, Emilia IGT and Lazio IGT: wider labels for Trebbiano-based whites.

Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes

• Fruit: lemon, green apple, pear and white peach.
• Other notes: white flowers, almond and herbs; with age, honey, hay and nuts.
• Structure: light to medium body, high acidity, a dry, often slightly bitter finish.

Most Trebbiano is light, neutral and refreshing, made to drink young. The exceptions are remarkable: traditional Trebbiano d'Abruzzo from a few top producers can age for decades, Lugana gains richness with time, and Trebbiano Spoletino has unusual aromatic depth. In Vin Santo, dried Trebbiano grapes give amber, nutty, honeyed dessert wines.

Food Pairing

• Seafood: grilled fish, mussels and seafood pasta.
• Vegetable antipasti: grilled vegetables, frittata and salads.
• Pasta and risotto: with vegetables or light sauces.
• Lake fish: with Lugana.
• Vin Santo: with cantucci almond biscuits.

How to Choose and Where to Start

For an everyday white, a Trebbiano d'Abruzzo or a Romagna Trebbiano is inexpensive and refreshing. For something more serious, try a Lugana or a Trebbiano Spoletino, and if you get the chance, a traditional long-aged Trebbiano d'Abruzzo from producers such as Valentini or Emidio Pepe. Trebbiano is also behind Tuscan Vin Santo, one of Italy's great dessert wines.

Related grapes include Verdicchio, a close relative of Trebbiano di Soave and Turbiana, and Garganega, Trebbiano's partner in Soave. Browse more in the grape varieties index and the Italian white wine guide.