Italian Indigenous Grapes

There are over 2,000 Italian indigenous grapes, and about 400 of them are in commercial production. We carry approximately 100 of these, including well-known favorites like Sangiovese, and little-known blending grapes like Corvinone.

INDIGENOUS GRAPES

Italian wine grapes are famously very attached to the regions where they were born. As one of the most geographically diverse countries in the world, these grapes have come to flourish under very specific conditions, such as Piedmont’s (Northern Italy) Nebbiolo grape, which thrives in its cool, foggy climate. Try to transplant a Nebbiolo vine 980 miles south to bright and sunny Sicily (about the distance from NYC to Missouri), and even though you’re still in the same country, Nebbiolo could never grow here with such extreme sun and heat. Less extreme examples are certainly true as well, which illustrates why you very rarely see Italian indigenous grape varieties planted outside of Italy, and outside of their respective regions.

INTERNATIONAL GRAPES

This is in large contrast to some of France’s native varieties, for example, like Chardonnay, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon, which all grow so well under a wide variety of conditions, that they have become known as “International Varieties.” These are grown in Italy as well, but the vast majority of winemakers here focus on indigenous varieties.

Grapes

Aglianico

Aglianico is one of the world’s greatest red grapes that can create anything from fragrant, juicy, light-bodied wines, to deep, rich, and very age-worthy ones. There are many biotypes of Aglianico, but they all tend to have small pyramidal bunches with small, thick-skinned berries. The wines are typically firm and savory with a mineral quality and plenty of underlying fruit to go along with their big structure and depth of flavor. Usually from Campania or Basilicata, Aglianico has been nicknamed the “Barolo of the South.”

Arneis

Arneis, in the local dialect, means “little rascal,” because of its difficult cultivation, and used to be called Nebbiolo Bianco due to the prized nature of the grape (they share no relation). It used to be planted near precious Nebbiolo vines to attract birds to its sweet scent, and away from the Nebbiolo. Arneis wines are delicately straw green with aromas of white flowers, chamomile tea, white peach, and apricot, with flavors of citrus, ripe pear, and sweet almond. Typically light, fresh, and crisp.

Barbera

One of the most widely planted native grapes in Italy, classic characteristics of Barbera include low tannins, high acidity and very concentrated color, which makes it good for blending. Generally Barberas have grape-forward aromas with red fruit, underbush and delicate spice on the palate, with a very dry finish.

Brachetto

Brachetto is an aromatic red grape that can generate both still and sparkling wines. Aromatic and light-bodied with lovely tart aromas and flavors of sour red cherry, red berry, and cherry pie.. Perfect with desserts.

Canaiolo Nero

This red grape varietal takes its name from the Latin “dies caniculares,” meaning “the dog days of August,” when this grape changes its color. Until the 1800s (pre-phylloxera), Canaiolo was the main grape of the Chianti blend. It was then switched to predominantly Sangiovese with Canaiolo added for fruitiness and the ability to soften the tannins of powerful Sangiovese. The two meld well together, and it is still commonly added to Chianti blends today. On its own, Canaiolo wines are soft and mellow, with elegant aromatics, herbaceous flavors, and gentle tannins.

Cannonau

In Sardinia, the Grenache grape is called Cannonau, a red grape variety with thin skin, low to medium acidity, and gentle tannins. Cannonau wines have recently become associated with longevity, because the skins contain high levels of polyphenols and are rich in anthocyanins, both of which have antioxidant properties linked to hearth health. The typical flavor profile of Sardinian Cannonau includes notes of peppery spice and tangy raspberry with a medium body.

Carricante

Carricante is an ancient white grape variety indigenous to Sicily. This late-ripening white variety is commonly blended with Catarratto, but as a varietal wine, it produces a fresh, lightly fragrant wine with marked acidity. Like Chardonnay, Carricante is often subject to malolactic fermentation. The word Carricante comes from the Italian “caricare” meaning to “load up,” referring to the grape’s heavy yields and to when grapes were carried on a cart pulled by donkeys down the steep slopes of Mt. Etna.

Cataratto

Cataratto is a semi-aromatic white grape variety mainly planted in Sicily. Catarratto wines are generally fresh whites with a medium to full structure, mild acidity, and a moderate alcohol level. The aromatic profile tends toward citrus fruit such as lemon, flowers, and tropical fruit with a touch of fine herbs and sweet spices. It typically has excellent salinity and a mineral feeling on the finish. It is commonly blended with Carricante or Inzolia.

Cesanese

Cesanese is one of the most important red grapes in the Lazio region and was very popular with Papal Rome and high society. This wine profile is moderate in acidity with well-balanced tannins on the palate, red fruit aroma, and vanilla with a bitter finish. Herbaceous and savory wines like Cesanese will taste more fruit-forward when paired with a rich, meaty dish.

Ciliegiolo

Before DNA typing existed, Ciliegiolo used to be commonly confused with Sangiovese and other red grapes growing in Tuscany and Umbria. Its name comes from the Italian for “cherries,” which is the dominant aroma that characterizes the wine. Often used to blend, Ciliegiolo yields fruit-forward, crisp, slightly sweet wine with a graceful, refined mouthfeel, red cherry-berry notes, and smooth tannins. It does not need much in bottle aging, but even though drinkable young, it has the strength of character and real interest.

Coda di Volpe

Coda di Volpe is a white grape whose name translates to “fox tail,” because of its long, dangling bunches of grapes that resemble a fox’s tail. Typically grown in Campania near Naples, Coda di Volpe grapes are golden yellow in color and low in acidity, which is why they grow particularly well in the volcanic soil of the area. The soil imparts acidity into finished wines, which have fruity, citrusy aromatic profiles, with tropical, sweet, and spicy underlying notes.

Cortese

Cortese is a white grape variety that is most famous for its role in the crisp, lime-scented wines of Gavi. The variety is known for its high acidity and freshness. Apple, peach, and honeydew flavors are commonly associated with Cortese wine, with lime, almond, and light herbal or grassy aromas.

Corvina

This grape varietal is unique to the Veneto region of Italy.  A well-made Corvina will call to mind violet, blackberry, and red cherry flavors with a delicate aromatic touch of fresh herbs on the nose.   It is very high in tannins and also tends to have a bitter finish.  Generally, you will not see this grape as a monovarietal wine.  It is typically blended with Corvinone, Rondinella, Molinara, and others for Valpolicella and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG

Corvinone

There are no monovarietal Corvinone wines, as this grape lends itself to Valpolicella and Amarone blends.  Its name means “Big Corvina.”  Corvinone’s typical berry size and bunch size is larger than it’s Corvina counterpart.  Both Corvina and Corvinone are thick-skinned and therefore suitable for drying to make Amarone and Recioto. The grapes’ flavor is of intense red cherries.

Dolcetto

In Piemonte, the name Dolcetto means “little sweet one.”  There are eleven DOC wines made from this grape throughout Piemonte with different characteristics.  Generally, Dolcetto presents soft tannins and low acidity.  A typical Dolcetto wine is round and fruity, offering dark, gently spicy aromas with earthy undertones and nutty notes in more tannic examples.

Falanghina

Falanghina is Campania’s signature white grape, and was introduced to Italy by settlers from ancient Greece. The name likely derives from the Latin “falangae,” meaning phalanx, or the method used to support vines in the vineyard that resembles the military formation of ancient Roman troops (also reminiscient of the word phalanges, or finger bones). The wines tend to be high in acidity with floral, herbal, and tropical fruit notes on the palate.

Fiano

Fiano is a white grape variety that is grown primarily in the Campania region of southern Italy. It has a long history in the region and is thought to have existed in the area as far back as ancient Roman times. Fiano has small, thick-skinned berries that famously produce very little juice, though with strong flavors and intense aromatics. Young Fiano often has intense honey and floral notes that develop into more spicy and nutty notes over time.

Frappato

Frappato is one of Sicily’s oldest grape varieties. The bunches are compact, in a pyramidal shape, with medium size round-oval berries. This variety is characterized by low acidity, low tannins and low sugar concentration, which means shorter fermentation and low alcohol levels. Frappato comes from the Latin word “fresia” which means strawberry – the main aroma that characterizes the wine and suggests its light red color.

Friulano

Tocai Friulano is a historical grape, now more commonly called Friulano, because the term “Tokay” may only legally refer to Hungarian wines. A good Friulano is pale straw green in color with delicate aromas of white flowers, sweet almond, and green apple. Oak is also sometimes used carefully with this wine.

Gaglioppo

Gaglioppo’s name is derived from a Greek word meaning “beautiful foot,” because the bunches are pink, plump and very appealing. Gaglioppo is an ancient red grape varietal that produces wines that are full bodied, high in alcohol and tannins, and quite ageworthy.

Glera

This white grape mainly grows in Veneto, most famously in Conegliano and Valdobbiadene zones. Glera is the famous Prosecco grape, which is semi-aromatic, complex and refined in fragrance, with light floral and fruity flavors.

Grechetto

Grechetto is a white grape with thick skins that makes light-bodied, lemony, and easygoing wines with an hint of white flowers, chamomile, lime and apple, generally with high acidity.

Greco

The Greco grape is very recognizable due to its extremely opulent appearance and bright yellow berries. The wine’s typical aromas and flavors include yellow flowers, honey, peach, pear and ripe tropical fruit; enjoyable when young.

Grignolino

Grignolino is a red grape from Piedmont, which exudes a lovely aroma of fresh flowers, small berries, and spices such as white pepper. Grignolino’s high acidity and crisp tannins make it a great pairing with fatty foods.

Grillo

Grillo is another word in Sicilian for “pips,” referring to the seeds in grapes. It is an ancient white grape variety, most famous for its role in the island’s fortified Marsala wines. The berries are small, with thick skins covered with bloom. The color of their peel is a greenish yellow that takes on reddish hues in the final stage of maturation. The wines obtained from Grillo are of a pale and bright straw yellow color. The fruity and citrus scents integrate with the floral notes of wild flowers and orange blossom. On the palate the wine is fresh and well structured with a pleasant, slightly sapid and mineral finish.

Lacrima

Lacrima means teardrop in Italian because the berries tend to leak juice down the bunches, resembling tears. Lacrima wines are aromatic and richly flavored, showing an intense floral and spice character on the nose with a fresh, berry-dominant palate.

Lagrein

The word Lagrein has a Greek origin, “lagarinthos,” which means “hanging.” Lagrein wine has a very dark garnet color with subtle violet reflections, with aromas of black woodland berries like blackberry or bilberry, violets, hints of dark chocolate, and a mouth full of spiciness; completed by a long finish and velvety tannins. It is usually full bodied and tannic, but not heavy. Lagrein is a descendant of Teroldego, another Trentino variety, and is also related to Syrah and Pinot Noir.

Lambrusco Grasparossa

Lambrusco Grasparossa (red-stalked) is one of several Lambrusco grapes and tends to produce the most intense, concentrated, and consistent Lambrusco wine.  Grasparossa grapes, which only grow on hillsides, create a creamy and full-bodied style with ripe black cherry and dark plum aromas and flavors.

Malvasia del Lazio

Malvasia del Lazio is a white grape that is also called Malvasia Puntinata, which means speckled, due to the appearance of the grapes which have rust colored spots on ripe berries. Malvasia wines presents spicy aromas of musk and apricot with rather high residual sugar levels that is particularly suitable for the production of sparkling wines and sweet wines.

Malvasia delle Lipari

Malvasia delle Lipari is a white grape variety from Sicily that offers great depth and complexity. The berry is white, with tender and thin skin, golden-yellow flesh and a sweet and aromatic flavor. Malvasia di Lipari is generally vinified after drying, making its condensed flavors ideal for dessert wines. It has a sweet and delicate scent, with notes of honey, ripe apricot and tamarind.

Malvasia Nera

Malvasia Nera is a dark, thin-skinned grape from the Malvasia family, mainly grown in Puglia where there are two different kinds of Malvasia – Nera di Brindisi and Nera di Lecce. This varietal is aromatic and can be used for dry, sparkling or sweet wines.

Mantonico

Mantonico is a naturally tannic white grape variety that is very versatile, making either dry wines or sweet wines. This varietal is both highly acidity and tannic, and not viewed as aromatic.

Molinara

Molinara is mainly used in blends such as Amarone and Valpolicella to add balanced acidity. It is known for its bright red fruit flavors and a certain floral character, but rarely seen outside of these wines.

Montepulciano

The Montepulciano d’Abruzzo grape is often confused with the Tuscan wine Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, which is actually Sangiovese. The Montepulciano grape is one of the most widely planted grapes in Italy, and creates easy drinking wines, that can either be made without oak for soft and approachable wines or with oak, making rich, tannic, powerful, and dark wines.

Moscato Bianco

This grape is used to produce Piedmont’s Asti Spumante and Moscato d’Asti. Moscato is recognizable for its unmistakable bouquet that almost always includes musk, peach, and sage, with secondary aromas of lime, wisteria, honey and white flowers. In sparkling wines, you can also find creamy notes due to the yeast. Typically low in alcohol with elegant structure, but always compact, with medium freshness and low minerality.

Nebbiolo

From this grape, two of the most world-renowned wines are made, Barolo and Barbaresco, plus being instrumental in many more DOC and DOCG wines throughout Northern Italy.  The name Nebbiolo comes from the word “nebbia,” which means “fog” a very common occurrence in Piemonte.  Nebbiolo produces very different wines affected by the particular vineyard site.  Nebbiolo expresses bold, tannic but elegant red wines.  Characteristically the color of these wines is light and bright, turning more brick in hues with age.  Nebbiolo’s typical aromas are of delicate red fruits and roses, with cherry, leather, coffee, tar, anise, and earthy notes on the palate combined with grippy tannins.

Negroamaro

Negroamaro’s name is derived from the Greek and Latin words “mavros” and “niger” both meaning black, and refers to the dark color of the berries. Wines are medium bodied, with typical aromas of black fruit, tobacco and dried berries.

Nerello Cappuccio

Nerello Cappuccio is a dark-skinned grape variety that takes the name “cappuccio” from the appearance of the vine having a thick crown or cap that hides the grapes from view. Nerello Cappuccio produces a soft wine with intense color, with cherry flavors on the palate that can reach high acidity levels and boisterous tannins.

Nerello Mascalese

Nerello Mascalese is a dark, thick skinned grape varietal that mostly grows on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna. The characteristics are medium to small oval grapes of light blue color. The varietal is actually part of the extended Sangiovese family.

Nero d’Avola

In the Sicilian dialect, Nero d’Avola means “black from Avola.” It is a very dark-skinned grape varietal that is typically high in tannins with medium acidity and a full body. This varietal can express itself in many different ways, from years of aging in oak barrels, to young and fresh wines made for immediate consumption. Since Nero d’Avola is so generous in color, it is also commonly used to produce rosé wines.

Nosiola

Nosiola is a versatile grape variety that, like few others, can deliver both pleasant dry white wine with crisp lemony zip, or complex sweet wines. The word derives from Nocciola, “hazelnut,” due to the color and also the nutty aromas that exude from the wine.

Passerina

The Passerina grape is a hardy variety that can be quite complex and special, with herbal notes, ripe citrus, and tropical fruit flavors and high acidity. Passerina is used to make sparkling wine as well.

Pecorino

This grape takes its name from the shepherds who used to eat its berries while accompanying their sheep’s flocks up and down the valleys searching for food. Pecorino is usually delicately herbal with balsamic nuances and with crisp apple and pear aromas and flavors. As the wine ages, it develops an almost milky, cheesy aroma. Acidity is high in these typically medium-bodied wines.

Piedirosso

Piedorosso means “red foot,” which references the red color of the dove’s feet. Piedirosso is the most ancient and also most widely planted grape in Campania. Typical flavors in these wines include plum, cherry, and brambly wild berry fruit. More complex characteristics, such as espresso, mushroom, and earthy notes, are expressed in high-quality versions.

Pigato

The name Pigato means “spotted” in the local dialect. As a biotype of Vermentino, Pigato has a similar saline nuance but creamier texture. Aromas and flavors recall delicate notes of apricot, peach, and ripe apple with musky floral hints.

Primitivo

The name Primitivo refers to this grape’s tendency to ripen early in the season. A dark skinned grape that produces almost black, tannic, and high-alcohol wines, the flavor profile is fruit driven, earthy, and rustic. Primitivo wines express themselves quite differently than their California counterparts, where the grape is called Zinfandel.

Refosco dal Peduncolo Rosso

Refosco has very dark blue berries with thin, but resistant skin. The wines tend to have intensely vinous notes and touches of wild blackberries and spicy-savory flavors on the palate, with developed tannins and a hint of pleasant bitterness.

Ribolla Gialla

In Italy, this variety only grows in Friuli Venezia Giulia and both subregions where it is grown are DOC designated. The wines are reddish-amber tinged, with fresh buttercup, tangerine and lemony-pepper notes. High acidity is very characteristic of these wines.

Rondinella

Rondinella is an Italian re-grape variety that most commonly appears in the blend for Valpolicella, Amarone, and Recioto.  The grape is somewhat neutral but adds lower tannins and dries well.

Rossese

For Rossese, soil is crucial, because this grape is a very good translation of its terroir. Wines are always vibrant with high acidity and a dry mouthfeel. Aromas range from violets, red currant, and graphite to roses and strawberries.

Sagrantino

Sagrantino is a red grape from Umbria that produces high quality, very ageable wines. The DOCG of Montefalco Sagrantino is one of the most tannic wines produced in Italy.  However, they can be refined and polished, and this full-bodied red is a perfect match for rich, umami dishes.

Sangiovese

Sangiovese is the crown jewel of Tuscany. It was introduced by the Etruscan population, and its name recalls the Etruscan word “Sanisva,” which refers to a funeral offering. Legend also suggests that since the red grapes were very juicy, rich, and strong, they were thought to be associated with the glorious blood of Jupiter, as the name suggests. Sangiovese stands on its own as a monovarietal but is also commonly blended with softer grapes to lend to the final wine’s composure. The soil for this varietal is crucial and can make a big difference in the wine’s quality and how its aromatic profile is expressed.

Schiava

Schiava makes light-bodied red wines with aromas of cotton candy, strawberry, bubblegum, and lemon candy. The wine is delicate and light in color. On the palate, the flavors are quite subtle and producers in Alto Adige will often make a dry style as to not overwhelm the palate with sweetness, which is already provided by the aromas. It is native to the South Tyrol area and has been cultivated since Roman times.

Teroldego

Teroldego is a historically significant grape from Trentino which means “the gold of Tyrol.” It produces darkly colored wines with ripe red cherry, tar, fresh herb, and slightly vegetal aromas. Its bright acidity makes it a versatile food wine. Teroldego is also related to Syrah.

Timorasso

Timorasso is a Piemontese white grape that yields crisp, high acid, and very mineral-forward wines, with white floral aromas, ripe stone fruit, and bright citrus flavors.  The high acidity makes it a white wine suitable for ag

ing.

Trebbiano

Trebbiano Abruzzese is the correct and official name of the variety, often confused with Bombino Bianco. Trebbiano Abruzzese is a real gem, producing high-quality wines with a hint of white flowers and stone fruit on the nose, a creamy mouthfeel, and plenty of acidity with a citrusy minerality. Characterized by large leaves with five lobes and large long pyramidal bunches, the berries’ color is a deep straw-green when fully ripe.

Verdeca

White Verdeca has an uncertain origin, and the grape was named after the green color of its berries. Wines can range from quite neutral and herbal to more aromatic with mixed citrus flavors. Verdeca has been increasingly used to make monovarietal wines of distinction and historically was used in vermouth production, a popular aperitif in the twentieth-century in Italy.

Verdicchio

Verdicchio, as the name suggests was named after the green color of its berries. Verdicchio grapes ripen slowly and evenly and always maintain high levels of tartaric acid, meaning that these wines can be crisp and refreshing but are also very age-worthy. Verdicchio wines are very floral and delicately fruity, while older wines have a distinct flintiness. In both the young and aged expressions, Verdicchio often has a sweet almond-marzipan note.

Vermentino

Vermentino does best in poorly fertile soils and salty marine air, with dry climates and bright sun exposure. Vermentino white wine can range from light and fresh to structured and high in alcohol, offering a large range of flavors and aromas. Typically Vermentino wines are dominant in citrus to ripe tropical fruit flavors with floral and herbal notes and a saline finish.

Vernaccia

Vernaccia di San Gimignano is the name of both the white grape and wine produced in Tuscany and was the first Italian wine to receive a DOC appellation in the late 1960s, earning DOCG status in the early 1990s. Wines are usually bright, citrusy, and crisp, showing more of a mineral profile with age.

Vespolina

Vespolina creates light-red colored wines, with sour cherry and berry aromas lifted by balsamic notes combined with roses, violets, and spice-like pepper on the nose.  Typically planted in Northern Piemonte around Gattinara and Ghemme, Vespolina is usually blended with other grapes such as Bonarda Piemontese and Nebbiolo.