Why Appassimento-Style Italian Reds Are Our Customer Favourites

At L'alcool, our customers can’t get enough of Appassimento-style Italian reds, and once you experience their richness, softness, and unbeatable value, it’s easy to understand why. Whether you’re enjoying pizza, BBQ meats, a loaded cheeseboard, or simply sitting fireside with family and friends, these wines seem to make every occasion just that little bit better.

The Origins: A Tradition Dating Back 2,000 Years

The Appassimento method is an ancient Italian winemaking tradition, dating back over two millennia. It was first perfected in the Veneto region, where winemakers discovered that carefully drying grapes after harvest intensified their flavours and sugars. This gentle dehydration produced wines with greater body, softer tannins, and a beautifully rich texture — a style that became synonymous with luxury and indulgence.

Originally, grapes were dried slowly on straw mats in well-ventilated rooms — a painstaking, natural process that could take weeks or even months depending on the weather.

The Evolution: Modern Appassimento

Today, many producers continue to honour these traditions, but modern techniques have refined the art. Grapes are often placed in temperature- and humidity-controlled drying rooms, allowing for more precise dehydration and greater consistency from vintage to vintage.

This evolution protects the grapes from mould and rot, while enhancing the concentration of fruit, softening tannins, and polishing the overall texture. The result? A seamless balance of ripe fruit richness, silky tannins, and vibrant freshness — capturing the spirit of the traditional style with even greater finesse.

Thanks to these innovations, high-quality Appassimento wines are now more accessible, affordable, and delicious than ever before, without compromising the depth and character that made them famous.

Why Our Customers Love Them

Rich, velvety texture that feels luxurious yet approachable

Soft tannins that make them easy to enjoy with or without food

Versatile pairing with pizza, barbecued meats, cheese platters, and cosy nights in

Outstanding value, offering premium taste without the premium price tag

Whether you’re hosting a crowd or relaxing at home, these wines deliver bold flavours and comforting richness that bring people together — exactly what great wine should do.

Explore Our Favourite Appassimento Reds

Here’s what’s currently winning hearts at L’alcool:

Boccantino Primitivo Da Uve Leggermente Appassite Salento IGT 2023
Bold, dark, and richly textured, this Primitivo offers ripe black fruits and smooth tannins — stunning with BBQ meats and wood-fired pizza.

Neroperso Appassimento 2021
Deep ruby colour with layers of blackberry, plum, and hints of cocoa. A full-bodied red that's perfect for hearty dishes or fireside sipping.

Santodeno Sangiovese Appassimento 2023
Classic Sangiovese character meets the lush richness of Appassimento, delivering notes of cherries, herbs, and velvety tannins — outstanding with antipasto or roast lamb.