The red grape variety originates from Italy. Synonyms are Basgnano, Bazano, Bersegano, Besegano, Besgana, Besgano di San Colombano, Besgnano, Colombana and Colombano Rosso. It was already mentioned at the end of the 16th century in a work by the agronomist Giovanni Soderini (1526-1596). The name probably derives from the monastery of San Colombano in Bobbio (Emilia-Romagna). It must not be confused with the Besgano Nero variety, despite seemingly suggestive synonyms or morphological similarities. According to DNA analyses carried out in 2013, it comes from a presumably natural cross between Sciaccarello (Mammolo) x unknown partner. The late-maturing vine is mainly used in blending. It is mainly cultivated in Tuscany, where it is permitted, for example, in the DOC wine Colli di Luni. There are further stocks in Emilia-Romagna. There is no connection to the Lombardy DOC wine San Colombano al Lambro. In 2016, 16 hectares of vines were reported with a strong downward trend (Kym Anderson).
Source: Wine Grapes / J. Robinson, J. Harding, J. Vouillamoz / Penguin Books Ltd. 2012
Images: M.I.P.A.F - National Vine Certification Service
In the past, you needed a wealth of encyclopaedias and specialist literature to keep up to date in your vinophile professional life. Today, Wine lexicon from wein.plus is one of my best helpers and can rightly be called the "bible of wine knowledge".
Prof. Dr. Walter Kutscher
Lehrgangsleiter Sommelierausbildung WIFI-Wien