Aleatico is a red-skinned member of the Muscat family of grapes. It is used in the production of sweet dessert-styled wines, both fortified and not. It grows predominantly in Puglia (Apulia), in the heel of the boot of southern Italy, and on the Island of Elba (to which Napoleon was exiled for life; legend has it that drinking Aleatico wine was the only enjoyable part of Napoleon’s lengthy stay). The berries are a bright, almost bluish-red color with assertive aromas of roses, lychee fruit, and ripe wild blackberries. When fortified, the grape yields wines of great aging potential, with notes redolent of faded violets and roses and earthy, dried plum flavors. Unfortified, it should be enjoyed young for its charming, vibrant fruitiness.